## Guide to Laws for Journalists in the U.S.

There are a few areas of law that are essential for journalists to know about. In particular, they relate to the information they can and can’t obtain from individuals and the government, and the right to publish this information.

This page is an overview of our Legal Guides (and some external sources) relevant to reporters, investigative journalists, news bloggers, and anyone who reports or investigates the news.

### **1. Free Speech**

Every journalist needs to know about laws related to [free speech and expression](/content/legal-guides/free-speech/index.html), of course!

### **2. Journalists Privilege or Shield Laws**

“[Journalists Privilege](http://www.cjr.org/united_states_project/journalists_privilege_shield_law_primer.php),” also known as the “journalist shield law,” is the right not to be compelled to testify or disclose sources and information in court.

### **3. Defamation**

Publishing something _false_ and negative about a person could be considered [defamation](/content/legal-guides/defamation/index.html).

### **4. Privacy**

Publishing something private about someone could be considered an invasion of [privacy](/content/legal-guides/privacy-laws/index.html).

### **5. Copyright**

If you are a freelance journalist, you generally have rights to stories you publish (unless you are working under an agreement that says otherwise). If you are considered an employee journalist with a media organization such as a newspaper, you may not have such rights. Either way, you should beware of infringing on others’ [copyrights](/content/legal-guides/copyright/index.html).

### **6. Obtaining Information from the Government**

Journalists, like everyone else, have the right to obtain access to public records held by federal agencies, with some exceptions including national security related information. See more at our [Guide to Open Government](/content/legal-guides/open-government/index.html).

### **7. Police Conduct**

Journalists often face situations where they interact with the [police](/content/legal-guides/police-conduct/index.html) or other law enforcement.

### **8. Internet & Social Media**

Since almost all journalism and news is online, you should definitely know about laws about the [Internet & Social Media](/content/legal-guides/internet-social-media/index.html).

### **9. Blogs and Websites**

If you have your own blog or website, here are some [important laws](/content/legal-guides/blogger/index.html) to know about.

### **10. Freelancer and Employee Laws**

Whether you are a [freelance](/content/legal-guides/what-freelancers-need-to-know-about-the-law/index.html) journalist or [employee](/content/legal-guides/employee/index.html), you should know your rights.