Journalist PrivilegeJournalism has grown and developed over the years, alongside journalistic ethics. Journalists have a code of ethics or a moral compass. Every article produced by a journalist has a named or anonymous source. Several states have protective laws designed for journalists who have stories with anonymous sources, but Mississippi is one of the only states in America that does not have a protective law in place. Mississippi should pass a shield law giving journalists the privilege of not disclosing their anonymous sources. In some cases, confidential sources constitute the only basis of credibility for journalists. Many important news stories would not surface without the reliance on confidentiality between journalists and their sources: “The Watergate Source. . . gave confidential information to Washington Post reporters about illegal activities in the Nixon White House” (Campbell 37). Without protection for journalists and their sources, the public would be left in the dark. Journalists have the role of providing key information that our government does not want released to the public. They are protected by the First Amendment, but it does not protect journalists from disclosing their sources. The First Amendment states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or restricting the freedom of speech or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances” (qtd. in VanArsdall 16). Because the First Amendment does not explain in detail how it protects journalists, lawmakers' interpretation of the amendment is often not enough to relieve a journalist from having to disclose a... middle of paper. .. ..d"Applause for the courage of a journalist." National Catholic Reporter July 15, 2005: 24. Academic research completed. Internet. March 28, 2014. Bates, Stephen. “The privilege of the journalist, yesterday and today.” Society August 2001: 41-54. Academic research completed. Internet. March 18. 2014. Benzing, Jeffrey. “Fall on their shield. » American Journalism Review July 2011: 11-12 Academic research completed. Internet. March 18, 2014. Campbell, Joel. "States Revisiting Reporter Privilege Laws". Quill, December 2005; 36-37. Literary reference center. Internet. March 18, 2014. Kaufman, Debra. “The Fight for a Shield Law.” Television Week, October 2008: 20. Academic research completed. Internet. March 18, 2014. Klein, Herbert G. “Why a Shield Law is Needed.” » Washington Times September 2005: source from newspaper A17. Internet. February 18, 2014. VanArsdall, Kelsey. “A law to protect”. Quill February 2005: 15 MasterFile completed. Internet. February 18. 2014.