shield law

noun

: a law that protects journalists from forced disclosure of confidential news sources

Examples of shield law in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Weingart also pressed Bonjean on why the rape shield law would not apply. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026 Texas lawmakers, in particular, have tried to pierce California’s shield laws without success so far. Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 16 Mar. 2026 The rankings were made based on several factors, from laws related to bathroom access to restrictions on drag performances to state leadership scores and shield laws. Finch Walker, USA Today, 2 June 2026 However, Paxton has struggled to enforce the Texas court’s ruling against the out-of-state doctor, foiled so far by New York’s shield law. Emily Brindley health Reporter, Dallas Morning News, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shield law

Word History

First Known Use

1971, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shield law was in 1971

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Cite this Entry

“Shield law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shield%20law. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Legal Definition

shield law

noun
: a law that prevents or protects against disclosure or revelation of information: as
b
: a law that protects journalists from disclosure of confidential news sources
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