<Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (January 2012) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (January 2012) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> A shield law is legislation designed to protect reporters' privilege . This privilege involves the right of news reporters to refuse to testify as to information and / or sources of information obtained during the news gathering and dissemination process . Currently the U.S. federal government has not enacted any national shield laws, but most of the 50 states do have shield laws or other protections for reporters in place . </P> <P> A shield law is law that gives reporters protection against being forced to disclose confidential information or sources in state court . There is no federal shield law and state shield laws vary in scope . In general, however, a shield law aims to provide the classic protection of, "a reporter cannot be forced to reveal his or her source" law . Thus, a shield law provides a privilege to a reporter pursuant to which the reporter cannot be forced by subpoena or other court order to testify about information contained in a news story and / or the source of that information . Several shield laws additionally provide protection for the reporter even if the source or information is revealed during the dissemination of the news story, that is whether or not the source or information is confidential . Shield laws do not ensure absolute protection . Depending on the jurisdiction, the privilege may be total or qualified, and it may also apply to other persons involved in the news - gathering and dissemination process as well, such as an editor or a publisher . </P>

States have given reporters some ability to protect their sources through