Case Law Index
federal2001
Additional Highlights:First AmendmentWiretappingPrivacy vs. Speech
Bartnicki v. Vopper
United States Supreme Court
Key Holding
The First Amendment protects a radio commentator who broadcasts an illegally intercepted phone call relating to a matter of public concern, if the broadcaster did not participate in the interception.
Case Summary
Bartnicki v. Vopper held that the First Amendment shields a radio station from liability for broadcasting a newsworthy conversation that was illegally wiretapped and provided to the station by an unknown source, balancing privacy interests against the public's interest in speech about public concerns.
Primary Source: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/118347/bartnicki-v-vopper/