Question

Information that is published is part of the public record. But information that a reporter collects, and sources that he contacts, must be protected in order for our free press to function free of fear. The above argument is most severely weakened by which one of the following statements?

• A. Public information is usually reliable.
• B. Undocumented evidence may be used to convict an innocent person.
• C. Members of the press act ethically in most cases.
• D. The sources that a reporter contacts are usually willing to divulge their identity.

Answer 1

The correct option is B Undocumented evidence may be used to convict an innocent person.

Of all the given options, only option (b) gives a reason against the said argument, telling us how undocumented evidence can be dangerous and should thus, not remain undocumented. Therefore, the correct answer is option (b).