Hamilton Spectator Contempt Case

There has been considerable discussion of the rights of the media in protecting confidential sources. The recent National Post case was seen as limiting the rights of media to protect confidential sources.

Today's decision by the Court of Appeal in the Hamilton Spectator contempt case (St. Elizabeth Home Society v. Hamilton (City), 2008 ONCA 182) suggests the Court will be sympathetic to claims by the media for confidentiality for media sources. Such sources will not be disclosed on a mandatory basis unless there is no other way to obtain the information necessary.



The full decision is available at

http://www.ontariocourts.on.ca/decisions/2008/march/2008ONCA0182.htm