Dale Thorn sez:
In the late 1970's (I think), Victor Marchetti (formerly of CIA) wrote The CIA and the Cult of Intelligence (title approx.), and the CIA was allowed by the courts to censor portions of the book.
As I remember, those portions were released later in a new edition, primarily because the blacked-out parts were not in fact big-time secrets, but simply embarrassments for the agency.
Is this a representative case?
I doubt it. When first granted access to classified, you must sign a civil contract not to publish anything without clearing same. That restricts your actions. But if you are writing a book, and the New York Times learns details by other than you telling them [To use a favorite of this group; one I scoff at as it's made to "look easy" -- let's say the NYT used Tempest techniques..], then can the USG go after the NYT and engage prior restraint? No, in my understanding. I hedge cuz this came about as a result of Phillip Agee [sp] but I do not recall exactly when. -- A host is a host from coast to coast.................wb8foz@nrk.com & no one will talk to a host that's close........[v].(301) 56-LINUX Unless the host (that isn't close).........................pob 1433 is busy, hung or dead....................................20915-1433