The Matt and Judy Law

Joining the political fad to name legislation after the first names of innocent victims, I want to propose the “Matt and Judy Law.” No, this is not a federal shield law, though that too would be a worthy tribute to the courage of Judy Miller and Matt Cooper. What I am suggesting instead is a bit more modest, though far more likely in this press-hating era to sail through Congress than a federal law enhancing the legal protections available to reporters confronted by mad-dog prosecutors.

The Matt and Judy Law would build on existing neighborhood-alert systems. Anyone living within a mile of a reporter who has resisted legal pressures to rat out sources would be legally informed of the arch fiend in their midst. The federal government would be required to mail out notices that read:

“WARNING: You live in a neighborhood where a known keeper of journalistic confidences resides. This reporter has placed his or her integrity above the demands of a duly constituted grand jury. You should be aware that anything you say in the presence of this reporter will not be shared with law enforcement agencies. At this time of heightened security and terrorist alerts, your government will not be responsible for the consequences of your associating with a journalist who has refused to name names.”