Press Release

Sixth Edition of Newsgathering and the Law Released

November 10, 2023

The Sixth Edition of Newsgathering and the Law is now available in print and online. For the first time in the 26-year history of the two-volume treatise, this edition is co-authored entirely by Ballard Spahr attorneys—Chad R. Bowman, Seth D. Berlin, Jay Ward Brown, David A. Schulz, and Leita Walker.

Newsgathering and the Law has become a definitive summary of the law on the rights and potential liabilities of those who gather and report the news. The treatise addresses news media access to information, civil liability arising from newsgathering activity, and legal protections for the press—including, critically, against the compelled disclosure of confidential sources and unpublished newsgathering information.

Our involvement with Newsgathering and the Law dates to 1997, when our now-retired colleague Lee Levine co-authored the First Edition. Since then, growth has been dramatic. The new edition spans more than 2,000 pages over two volumes, with more than 10,000 footnotes. Covering topics ranging from military proceedings and national security issues to access to jury information, this updated edition is recommended reading for scholars and legal practitioners alike.

Newsgathering and the Law is available for order here, in print or as an e-book.

For media inquiries, please contact Bill Shralow at 215.864.8195.

Subscribe to Ballard Spahr Mailing Lists

Get the latest significant legal alerts, news, webinars, and insights that affect your industry. 
Subscribe