People v. Juarez, In re Robles
New York Times reporter Frances Robles moved to quash a subpoena requiring her to testify and provide her interview notes with the suspect in the “Baby Hope” murder case. Robles argues that her testimony and notes are privileged under the New York Shield Law’s qualified reporters’ privilege for nonconfidential, unpublished information. The trial court denied Robles’ motion to quash, the Appellate Division, First Department reversed, and the People appealed to the New York Court of Appeals. The RCFP brief discusses the history of the Shield Law and the importance of the Shield Law’s privilege for non-confidential information. It argues that privilege for non-confidential information can be overcome only if the party seeking the information demonstrates that his or her case “virtually rises or falls” based on the information sought.