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Cops go after reporter cell records

Discussion in 'Journalism topics only' started by Sconnie, Dec 12, 2007.

  1. Sconnie

    Sconnie Member

    Did anyone else see this? A reporter in St. Paul tried to get some police files, got rebuffed, and got them anyway through another channel. The cops were pissed, and subpoened his cell records along with a county employee's cell records, with no judge approval.

    http://www.mediainfo.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003684268
     
  2. heyabbott

    heyabbott Well-Known Member

    Grand Jury subpoenas do not require a Judge's nor do they require a probable cause determination. A reporter may not be criminally liable for the receipt of some government documents or information, but the government or court employee maybe criminally responsible for providing them to unauthorized persons. Particularly seasled documents, such as search warrants, NCIC criminal record checks, sealed indictments, names of confidential sources and possible witnesses names and addresses who are under seal due to threats of witness intimidation.

    The reporters' cell phone records are legitimate evidence in the prosecution of the court or government employee.

    That said, this incident doesn't seem to be the type that necessitated the investigation.
     
  3. alleyallen

    alleyallen Guest

    This doesn't sound like a grand jury subpoena, though. They did identify it as an "administrative" subpoena, which from my understanding is far different from one issued by a grand jury.
     
  4. i guess i'll just start using my phone at work to call my dope dealer instead.
     
  5. heyabbott

    heyabbott Well-Known Member

    just make sure you write a personal check for your weed
     
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