Overheard Conversations in Public Places

Iced tea, popular throughout the U.S. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The article focuses on the motives of the speaker, not the "ethics" of reporting what's overheard.

This behavior seemed so indiscreet and unprofessional on Cobb’s part that some even speculated he might have intentionally spoken where he could be overheard, to “accidentally” get his grievances against McGahn into the press.

A suggestive comment from Talking Points Memo:


The spot is so well known to be a favorite Times’ hangout that some joke that it’s bureau’s cafeteria.


More today from Political Wire. The reporter says:

To my astonishment, they were in the midst of a detailed discussion of the Russia investigations being conducted by the special counsel, Robert S. Mueller III, and various congressional committees, as well as the strategy of Mr. Trump’s team for responding.

They were in a public place where they could have been overheard by anyone. I just happened to be a reporter, so I figured their conversation was fair game. I ordered another iced tea, pulled out my phone and began typing out notes, hoping that they would assume I was merely responding to emails, tweeting or surfing the internet.

Press Photographer Challenged at University of Missouri

A "First Amendment Area" at Muir Woods. English text reads : "First Amendment Area: This area has been set aside for individuals or groups exercising their constitutional first amendment rights. The National Park Service neither encourages nor discourages, or otherwise endorses, these activities and receives no funds in relation to these activities." (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The longer video

Here's the New York Times story

CJR: Media Law prof's take on the law governing the situation

Missouri law making whole campus free speech zone


Thanks to Nick, Professor Click's response

Tai's photos