Alabama § 12-21-142 - Exemption of News-Gathering Persons from Disclosing Sources.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 12-21-142 — Exemption of News-Gathering Persons from Disclosing Sources., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 12-21-142. Exemption of News-Gathering Persons from Disclosing Sources.
No person engaged in, connected with or employed on any newspaper, radio broadcasting station or television station, while engaged in a news-gathering capacity, shall be compelled to disclose in any legal proceeding or trial, before any court or before a grand jury of any court, before the presiding officer of any tribunal or his agent or agents or before any committee of the Legislature or elsewhere the sources of any information procured or obtained by him and published in the newspaper, broadcast by any broadcasting station, or televised by any television station on which he is engaged, connected with or employed.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 12-21-142
What does Code of Alabama § 12-21-142 cover?
Section 12-21-142 ("Exemption of News-Gathering Persons from Disclosing Sources.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alabama § 12-21-142?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 12-21-142" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alabama law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.
How does Alabama § 12-21-142 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.