From The Globe and Mail:

A controversial attempt to seize a Toronto freelance writer's notes was defused yesterday after a judge brokered a deal that limited damage to journalistic principle.

Journalist Lon Appleby agreed to answer questions in the witness box in connection with a first-degree murder case.

In return, a defence lawyer for the accused man said he would drop his attempt to subpoena notes and tape recordings that Mr. Appleby made while researching a 1998 Toronto Life magazine story.

"I am very happy with the result today," said Iain MacKinnon, Mr. Appleby's lawyer. "The questioning of Lon was narrowly tailored to establish some basic facts about his article and did not pose a threat to press freedom."