What are the rules on leaking classified information?

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As far as I know, it's not okay to leak it to the press, but it is okay for the press to refuse to give up their source.


What if a soldier or another official happens upon classified information that they don't know is classified? Are they liable for it as well? Do they have a duty to find out the security clearance of information before discussing it with others? That raises the question of who do they ask, because presumably it's possible that they won't find someone with proper clearance.



Just something I was wondering about. Wanted to see if any of you guys know the answer.
 
If you break the law because you don't know about it, you're still liable for that, so I'd imagine it to be pretty much be the same way here
 
ok....now suppose a civilian finds classified information, but doesn't know its classified?
 
then it's not a crime without mens rea


Does the government create a new law or charge them anyway like they have done in the past (created new laws on the spot) then yeah that person might be fucked
 
the federal government has the right to demand who your sources are ( with legal action) the state governments do not
 
Sorry, I'm not biting. I don't care to turn this into a debate about shield laws just yet.



Maybe later.
 
generally it's only illegal if you were trusted with it, knew it was classified, etc..
 
Fair enough. I'll take your guys' word for it. Do you by any chance know where it's covered in the UCMJ? If not, that's fine. Don't take this the wrong way; I'm not saying, "LOL PROVE IT." If you know where it's covered, great. If not, then whatever.
 
yes, you're liable if you're a soldier and release classified information, even if you didn't know about it.

as far as who they ask, that would be his or her chain of command, and then STFU about it and let it be their problem and not yours
 
Fine dick, ask a stupid question, get a stupid answer.

LOL ARE THEY LIABLE IF THEY DON'T KNOW???//
 
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