{
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  "slug": "subpoena",
  "term": "Subpoena (to a journalist)",
  "definition": "A legal order compelling a journalist to testify or produce records, such as notes, communications or unpublished material, often sought to identify a confidential source. Journalists' ability to resist such subpoenas depends on applicable shield laws or, at the federal level, Justice Department guidelines.",
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  "created_at": "2026-09-22T20:04:44Z",
  "updated_at": "2026-09-22T21:29:49Z",
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      "title": "DOJ rescinds news media guidelines: analysis",
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      "url": "https://www.rcfp.org/federal-shield-law/",
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      "title": "Federal shield law efforts",
      "publisher": "Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press",
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