Publication of Illegally Intercepted Phone Conversation Protected
In a 6-3 decision, the US Supreme Court held that the publication of an illegally-intercepted phone conversation is protected under the First Amendment. In this narrow decision, the Court held that the First Amendment protects publishers of information of legitimate public concern. However, the publisher can play no part in the interception of the communication.Bartnicki v. Vopper, Supreme Court Opinion, Supreme Court Web Site.
Court Rules on Wiretap Law, Yahoo News (AP), May 21, 2001.
High Court Says Press Isn't Liable for Use of Ill-Gotten Tapes, New York Times, May 22, 2001 (registration required).
