shield law

noun

: a law that protects journalists from forced disclosure of confidential news sources

Examples of shield law in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Texas lawmakers, in particular, have tried to pierce California’s shield laws without success so far. —Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 16 Mar. 2026

However, Paxton has struggled to enforce the Texas court’s ruling against the out-of-state doctor, foiled so far by New York’s shield law. —Emily Brindley health Reporter, Dallas Morning News, 24 Feb. 2026

Rodriguez also is asking the court to block Coeytaux from countersuing under California’s shield law, which allows individuals to recover damages and attorneys fees from anyone who files a civil action against them for providing reproductive care that’s legal in California. —Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026

Attorney Jonathan Mitchell devised the idea, and is the attorney representing the plaintiff behind the federal lawsuit targeting California’s shield laws. —Raheem Hosseini, San Francisco Chronicle, 2 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1971, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for shield law

• aa
• aha
• bashaw
• bradshaw
• byelaw
• bylaw
• chainsaw
• cheraw
• coleslaw
• crenshaw
• dada
• esau

Legal Definition

shield law

noun

: a law that prevents or protects against disclosure or revelation of information: as

a

: rape shield law

b

: a law that protects journalists from disclosure of confidential news sources