When the Independent Counsel investigated President Clinton, the
President fought a two-front war. First, he litigated in various federal
courts, and had a batting average of close to zero. Second, he launched
a public relations offensive, which was very successful. A crucial part
of that offensive was the often-repeated charge that the Office of
Independent Counsel - investigating various matters involving President
Clinton - has routinely and illegally engaged in "leaking" grand jury
material to the press. The frequent complaint is that the alleged
"leaking" consists of informing the press of secret matters on the
condition that the reporter, when he or she publishes the material, does
not publicly attribute the source. Then the press, whether in the print
or broadcast media, will only identify the informant by using code
words, such as "sources close to the investigation." Professor Rotunda,
who was a special consultant to the Office of Independent Counsel, has
investigated these charges and will present his analysis and conclusions
on the question of leaking.