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Appeal over tapes of interview denied in triple-murder case

Article Abstract:

The California Supreme Court ruled in State v. Sanchez that the trial court's order to quash a subpoena based on the California Shield Law did not result denial of the right to a fair trial and to confront witnesses. A reporter could be subpoenaed on published information regarding interviews with the defendant, but the trial court had upheld the privilege regarding unpublished materials. The Supreme Court upheld the ruling in finding that the additional information related to unpublished matters would have been of little relevance to the trier of fact, the trial judge.

Murder, Confrontation (Criminal law), Confrontation (Law)

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Editor jailed for withholding letter, envelope in murder trial

Article Abstract:

Anderson Valley Advertiser editor Bruce Anderson was found in contempt and jailed by a California state court judge for refusing to turn over to the district attorney the original copy of a letter-to-the-editor from a murder suspect. Anderson refused because he wanted to protect his sources. After one week in jail, Anderson attempted to surrender the letter, but the court claimed it was not the original and refused to accept it. After testimony was heard from two witnesses, the court reversed, found the letter authentic and released Anderson.

Searches and seizures, Anderson Valley Advertiser (Newspaper)

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