Sprague v. Walter

OPINION

NIX, Chief Justice.

This is an appeal by allowance from an order of the Superior Court granting a new trial in a libel action against a newspaper. The issues presented arise from evidentiary rulings by the trial court. Review was granted because the issues herein implicate the relationship between the federal and state constitutional provisions relating to free speech and reputation and the statutorily created privilege conferred upon a media defendant, commonly known as the “Shield Law.” It has become increasingly apparent that the confines of that privilege must be more clearly…