Press Law

A clear-eyed look at what shield laws actually promise a student reporter asked to reveal a confidential source, and where the gaps are.

A plain-language guide to sunshine laws and what they actually guarantee a student journalist trying to sit in on a public meeting.

What a high school reporter needs before quoting a classmate, and where the rules get stricter for sensitive topics.

A working guide to FERPA’s records exceptions and directory information so student reporters stop hitting the same wall on transcript and discipline stories.

A plain-language guide to the federal law that forces colleges to disclose crime data and issue campus safety alerts.

A calm, step-by-step approach for student newsrooms that receive a legal threat, demand letter, or cease-and-desist over a published story.

What actually makes a published statement legally risky, which defenses protect accurate reporting, and where student newsrooms get exposed.

A plain-language look at the two Supreme Court cases that shape student press rights, and where prior review legally can and cannot go.