The students at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism (one of the nation's most prestigious) have for over a decade been involved in an "Innocence Project" --- researching the possible wrongful convictions of prison inmates. The school's efforts have resulted in the freeing of several individuals.
In their latest effort, the State of Illinois has subpoenaed a broad spectrum of materials from the students, including class notes and even grades:
http://tinyurl.com/ycphyh3
One issue to be resolved: are the students journalists, and so covered by Illinois' press-shield law? Or merely students-in-training, and not covered? And is the state entitled to materials and information that would normally be considered private? This should be an interesting case.
The link is to a column in the business section of yesterday's New York Times. They've run several articles on the case as it develops; search their site using "Medill" as the search term.
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After reading the article, I would have to say that I think the students are indeed journalist , and just happen to also be students. That being said, they should be protected by the IL shield law because they "didnt shed their constitutional rights at the gate." It's funny, something like this just happened at Mizzou recently. I'll get back to you on the details in a few.
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