[Charles H. (The_r0nin)]

Actually, he is corrected in a manner of speaking. No one is entitled to confidentiality, but those circumstances you mentioned are established by statute. In other words, the law has granted confidentiality in those cases, as they are recognized by tradition and practice as important considerations. Not trying to play with words here, but journalists are not protected by statute or tradition. Without the statues and case law that establishes this confidentiality, neither would husbands-wives or lawyers-clients be...

[ReignOfError]

Not trying to play with words here, but journalists are not protected by statute or tradition.

They are protected by statute in 31 states and the District of Colombia. But not under federal law.