The United States Department of Justice

Justice Department Formally Adopts New Policy Restricting Use of Compulsory Process to Obtain Reporter Information

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Justice today formally adopted a new policy that restricts the use of compulsory process to obtain information from, or records of, members of the news media acting within the scope of newsgathering activities. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced the new policy, effective immediately, in a memo to Department leadership.

The Attorney General also reiterated his support for the durability of these policy changes. To further protect members of the news media in a manner that will be enduring, he asked the Deputy Attorney General to undertake a review process to further explain, develop and codify the policy announced today into Department regulations. He also reaffirmed the Department’s support for congressional legislation to protect members of the news media.