Kirtley Quoted in NY Sun on Reporter Subponeas
Attorneys representing scientist Steven Hatfill, who was investigated in connection with the anthrax mailings in 2001 and has sued the federal government for violation of the Privacy Act, have asked federal Judge Reggie Walton to allow them to issue new subpoenas to reporters who covered the story. Prof. Kirtley observed that because of recent adverse rulings in the D.C. Circuit over reporters privilege, the journalists face an uphill battle in fighting the subpoenas. She predicted that the court might eventually impose fines on the reporters' news organizations, as well as jailing the reporters for civil contempt, if they resist the subpoenas.