I. Introduction: History & Background

Generally speaking, the status of the reporter's privilege in West Virginia is strong. Although the contours of the privilege are not as developed as they are through caselaw in other states, and there is no statutory shield law, the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia has fashioned a strong privilege to protect reporters, especially in civil cases. Because of the strength of the privilege, incidences of reporters being jailed or fined over privilege issues have been exceedingly rare in West Virginia.