It is illegal for the IRS to release them. My understanding is that as “the Press” she does not have to reveal her source and it is not illegal for her to publish them.
Of course, I am not a lawyer, but 20 years ago I was the pro se defendant from Hell.
This is correct. It’s all been litigated. The leaker has committed a felony but because Trump is a public figure the leakee is free to disclose.
I remember a “reporter” being put in jail, indefinitely, for contempt of court, refusing to reveal her source.
I would like to see IRS stooge(s) jailed for breaking the law.
Were you acquitted?
She can go sit in a all male jai then till she talks
If she does indeed have the actual tax returns, this could be interesting. While there are shield laws that protect members of the press from disclosing sources, I am not sure there are such laws at the federal level. In addition, it is my understanding that the simple possession of tax returns of someone without authorization is a crime and there is nothing exempting a member of the press from liability for crimes they commit. At trial, she would be a defendant, not a witness. If she is committing a crime individually or in conspiracy with someone else, she is in legal jeopardy regardless of her occupation. Then, there is the basic unanswered question of what is the press and who is a member of it.
3 page from 2005
Convene a grand jury to investigate the felony release of the tax information.
Call MadCow to the stand and ask her to reveal her sources.
If she refuses, she can be jailed for until the grand jury disbands.
There is no constitutional right for the press not to reveal information regarding crimes. They are no different that you or I. Anyone can claim they are "the press".