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shield law
noun
: a law that protects journalists from forced disclosure of confidential news sources
Examples of shield law in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The state has expanded access since Dobbs, enacting a 2023 shield law protecting medical records for out-of-state-patients and medical professionals providing care.
—Cait Kelley, Baltimore Sun, 21 Dec. 2024
But shield laws are largely in uncharted constitutional waters because until now, states really haven’t fought with one another over dueling laws.
—Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024
In just a three-month time frame this year, between March and May, Florida saw about 400 abortions through mail-order medication provided under shield laws, according to a We Count Report by the Society of Family Planning.
—Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 9 Nov. 2024
But the state legislature passed a shield law last year allowing officials to keep lethal injection drug suppliers private and the state Supreme Court ruled that the electric chair and firing squad would also be available as execution methods.
—Landon Mion, Fox News, 8 Sep. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1971, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near shield law
Cite this Entry
“Shield law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shield%20law. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.
Legal Definition
shield law
noun
: a law that prevents or protects against disclosure or revelation of information: as
a
b
: a law that protects journalists from disclosure of confidential news sources
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