Washington Post humour columnist Gene Weingarten has set journalists a problem. I've amended it just slightly for a British audience.
A reporter is sent to interview a man who can help to reveal a matter of major national importance. It would be in the public interest to publish it.
But the source just won't open up. After several hours of stone-walling, the man unveils a stash of marijuana, rolls a joint, lights up and then offers it to the reporter.
Though the journalist is aware that the editors' code of practice does not specifically prohibit breaches of the law in order to obtain a story, it would arguably violate the code's spirit.
It also happens to be the case that the reporter's own paper does have a policy that a journalist should not do anything illegal during an assignment. Breaking that rule could lead to him being fired.
Then again, it seems certain that by taking a hit, the reporter will gain the source's trust and therefore talk at last. What should the reporter do?
Weingarten offers a wide choice of possible answers:
No, because he has a duty to follow the rules of his employer. Illegal is illegal.
No, because getting stoned would impair his professional abilities to work.
No, because acting deceitfully is unseemly.
No, because it would give the source the whip hand - he could blackmail the reporter.
No, for all of the reasons above.
Yes, go for it. Smoke the pot. It's a minor sin to obtain a major scoop - and a reporter's first duty is to get the story.
According to the latest result, 62.7% of people who have taken the poll said yes.
PS: If you are a non-smoker, substitute cocaine for pot. The dilemma is just the same.
Sources: Washington Post/Romenesko
