New York Times reporter Judith Miller set an example for journalists everywhere Thursday when she refused to reveal confidential sources and, as a result, could face up to 18 months in jail.

U.S. District Judge Thomas F. Hogan held Miller in civil contempt after she refused to testify before a grand jury about conversations she had with sources regarding the leak of CIA operative Valerie Plume’s identity to media. U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald is investigating whether government officials are responsible for the leak.

Hogan said the First Amendment does not protect reporters from being forced to reveal their sources. Thirty-one states have laws protecting reporters in these situations, but there are no laws like this in the federal court system.

The prospect of jail is not an attractive one, but Miller should continue to stick by her decision and not give in to the courts.

As reporters, we shouldn’t reveal our sources just because we are being threatened with jail sentences or anything else.

“The ability of journalists to give their word and to keep their word that they will not reveal their sources is at the heart of journalism,” Miller’s attorney, Floyd Abrams, told the Chicago Sun-Times.

Journalists have a commitment to protect all of their sources, especially sources speaking on an anonymous basis, because of the repercussions they could face as a result. Breaking a source’s trust by revealing his or her name or divulging off-the-record information undermines the integrity and professionalism of journalism.

Miller must have a reason why she is choosing not to reveal her source and more power to her for upholding her principles. With reporters like former New York Times reporter Jayson Blair, who tarnished the reputation of reporters everywhere by fabricating his sources and stories, it’s nice to see someone with ethics.