What is the purpose of "shield laws"?

Shield laws are designed primarily to protect journalists from being compelled to disclose their sources in legal proceedings. This protection is essential for maintaining the confidentiality of sources, which in turn encourages the flow of information and whistleblowing. Journalists often rely on confidential sources to uncover truths about issues of public interest, and if these sources were not protected, it might hinder the willingness of individuals to provide critical information. Thus, shield laws serve to uphold the principles of freedom of the press and to promote open discourse by ensuring that reporters can operate without the fear of legal repercussions for keeping their sources anonymous.