Recipients of "Leaks" May Be Prosecuted, Court Rules

Recipients of "Leaks" May Be Prosecuted, Court Rules

In a momentous expansion of the government's authority to regulate public disclosure of national security information, a federal court ruled that even private citizens who do not hold security clearances can be prosecuted for unauthorized receipt and disclosure of classified information.

The ruling (pdf) by Judge T.S. Ellis, III, denied a motion to dismiss the case of two former employees of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) who were charged under the Espionage Act with illegally receiving and transmitting classified information.

The decision is a major interpretation of the Espionage Act with implications that extend far beyond this particular case.

The Judge ruled that any First Amendment concerns regarding freedom of speech involving national defense information can be superseded by national security considerations.

more at:
http://www.fas.org/blog/secrecy/2006/08/recipients_of_leaks_may_be_pro.html

Thoughtcrimes have really arrived.

:shrug:
rocknation

to contact press sources in different countries -- like any resistance movement, I guess.

an upper court!

PB

"Finally, with respect only to intangible information , the government must prove that the defendant had a reason to believe that the disclosure of the information could harm the United States or aid a foreign nation...."

This case involved AIPAC personnel, but what happens when we're applying the law to reporters?

information because?

Osmosis? Telepathy? The crystal ball you carry around with you?

How do you know ahead of time that you are about to receive something you shouldn't? Especially if you're a reporter, you never know what you're going to hear.

I would normally say this would never stand up under appeal to a higher court, but in this country today, who knows. Freedom, liberty, and fairness are no longer a part of today's America, apparently.

Or at least sneak me some cigs?