Brian D. Wassom and Matthew T. Nelson, partners at Warner Norcross + Judd LLP published an Op Ed article discussing eavesdropping statutes in today's Detroit News.
The attorneys, who are representing the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and 18 state and national media organizations, have filed a brief in the Michigan Supreme Court defending the right of the media to record conversations without the consent of all other participants.
"The Supreme Court of the United States has repeatedly emphasized 'the special and constitutionally recognized role of (the press) in informing and educating the public…'" Wassom and Nelson said. "Investigative journalism, in particular, has long played a prominent role in safeguarding the public interest and, in some cases, prompting important reforms. Now comes a threat to the media’s ability to carry out these responsibilities.
"Michigan’s eavesdropping statutes have worked well for nearly 40 years. There is absolutely no reason, and certainly no benefit, to changing them now."
Detroit News subscribers can read the full Op Ed article here.
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