Alan K. Chen and Justin Marceau of University of Denver Sturm College of Law have authored Truth and Transparency, Undercover Investigations in the Twenty-First Century, a book discussing political roles of undercover investigators.
From the book’s description:
Undercover investigators have been celebrated as critical conduits of political speech and essential protectors of transparency. They have also been derided as intrusive and spy-like, inconsistent with private property rights, and morally or ethically questionable. In Truth and Transparency, Alan K. Chen and Justin Marceau rigorously examine this duality and seek to provide a socio-legal context for understanding these varying views. The book concretely de?nes undercover investigations, distinguishes the practice from investigative journalism and whistleblowing, and provides a comprehensive legal history. Chapters explore the public need for investigations and the rights of investigators, paying close attention to the types of investigations that fall beyond the scope of constitutional protection. The book also provides concrete empirical evidence of the broad, bipartisan support for undercover investigations and champions the practice as an essential component of the transparency our democracy needs to thrive.
- Expands the legal, historical, and social-psychological understanding of undercover investigations
- Addresses longstanding questions about the conflicting rights raised by undercover investigations
- Utilizes original empirical research and doctrinal study regarding public opinion and undercover investigations