Hallissy v. Superior Court

Opinion

POCHE, J.

Erin Hallissy, a journalist, challenges an order requiring her to reveal unpublished materials she has gathered and an ensuing order holding her in contempt for failing to do so. We grant the requested relief.

I

Real party in interest John Sapp is presently charged with three counts of murder in the first degree. (Pen. Code, §§ 187, 189.) 1 He is also charged with the special circumstances of multiple murder and murder for financial gain. (§ 190.2, subds. (a)(1) and (a)(3).) Prior to the preliminary examination, Sapp was interviewed by petitioner, a reporter for the Contra Costa…