Federal Judge Holds Journalist Catherine Herridge in Contempt for Protecting Source

Catherine Herridge faces a daily fine for refusing to reveal her source in a case involving a Chinese American scientist, highlighting the tension between press freedom and judicial authority.

U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper imposed a civil contempt order on Catherine Herridge, a veteran journalist, for not disclosing her source in stories about scientist Yanping Chen.
The contempt ruling includes a daily fine of $800, which is stayed to allow Herridge time to appeal.
The case underscores the critical importance of confidential sources in journalism and raises concerns about the potential chilling effect on press freedom.
Legal experts and media advocates argue for the need of a federal shield law to protect journalists from being compelled to reveal their sources.
The source in question is sought by Yanping Chen, who sued the government over leaks related to a federal probe into her activities.