Detroit (AP) -- A judge has barred lawyers for Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and his ex-chief of staff from questioning reporters from the Detroit Free Press about sexually explicit text messages.
Wayne County Circuit Judge Robert Colombo Jr. sided with the newspaper on Thursday, saying the reporters have a privilege to protect their relationships with sources.
The ruling comes in the Freedom of Information Act lawsuit filed by the Free Press and The Detroit News against Kilpatrick and former top aide Christine Beatty.
Lawyers for Kilpatrick and Beatty say the papers opened the door to being questioned when they sued for the information.
Some text messages obtained by the Free Press show romantic links between the married mayor and Beatty, who face perjury charges for denying having a relationship. They deny the charges.
Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Health Care Reform Debate 11/21
Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow addresses the floor on the first vote that will take place for the health reform bill.
Health Care Debate 11/21
Michigan Senator Carl Levin addresses the Senate prior to a vote on the health care reform bill.
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