Recent disclosures of information the government maintains is classified have generated harsh criticism - of both the “leakers” and of the media outlets that made the information public - from some policymakers and commentators. Congressional and Department of Justice inquiries are underway, and it is possible that criminal charges could follow. With the number of “leak”-related cases on the rise, such investigations and prosecutions highlight important questions about the relationship between investigative journalism, national security disclosures, and the First Amendment.

In addition to the panel, TCP will present its annual Constitutional Commentary Award to the authors of Top Secret America, Dana Priest and William Arkin. Ms. Priest, a Washington Post reporter, will be present to accept the award