Anthrax Figure Wins a Round on News Sources: “In a development that could undercut reporters’ ability to obtain confidential information, Justice Department officials agreed Thursday to distribute to dozens of federal investigators in the 2001 anthrax case a document they can sign to release journalists from pledges of confidentiality.

Lawyers for Steven J. Hatfill, a former Army bioterrorism expert, had sought the releases as a step toward questioning reporters about their sources in the case. Dr. Hatfill, who has been described by Attorney General John Ashcroft as a ‘person of interest” in the anthrax investigation, is suing the government over leaks of a variety of information suggesting his guilt.

Experts on journalism and the law said the releases – first used in another case, involving a leak of the identity of Valerie Plame, an undercover officer for the Central Intelligence Agency – could erode government employees’ confidence that they can provide information to reporters without fear of being later identified and punished.” (The New York Times)