article_snippet: Last week, Lord Thomas, the Lord Chief Justice, expressed misgivings that the obscure 13th century law of misconduct in public office was being used to haul journalists before the courts.
article_snippet: Police and prosecutors have faced criticism for spending up to £20million of taxpayers’ money on Operation Elveden, an investigation into tabloid newspapers paying for information, rather than concentrating on terrorism and violent crime.
article_snippet: Critics have described the investigation as a ‘waste of public money’ and accused police and prosecutors of pursuing a ‘vendetta’ against journalists.
highlights_snippet: Lord Chief Justice expressed misgivings over cases already brought .
  
highlights_snippet: Lord Chief Justice said 13th century law was being used to haul reporters before courts .
  
highlights_snippet: Anger growing over ‘witch-hunt’ targetting reporters whose stories embarrased those in power .