An independent newspaper, The Rag has pictures in its files of someone placing a bomb at the local convention center. The bomb never detonates, and is later removed by a bomb squad. The next day, the Rag publishes the photographs. District Attorney Priscilla Cute, wants to get as much evidence as possible, and she wants to see what other pictures the Rag has. Cute will have a warrant issued rather than a subpoena, because news media should receive warrants due to their history of compliance with criminal investigations.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The federal law Privacy Protection Act requires law enforcement to seek a subpoena rather than a warrant when obtaining evidence from media. Exceptions would be if the media are suspected of criminal activity (nothing in the hypothetical), if media are likely to destroy the evidence (again, nothing to suggest this) or if there is serious danger to health and safety. Some students may get caught up in this last one, but note that the bomb has been safely removed - there is no immediate danger to anyone.

An Independent Newspaper, the Rag Has Pictures in Its Files