1. What is the purpose of each:

1. leaker
2. whistleblower
3. federal air marshal

2. a) What did U.S. federal air marshal Robert MacLean do that caused the TSA to fire him?
b) Why did he do it?

3. For what reason did the TSA say Mr. MacLean was fired?

4. When Mr. MacLean appealed his firing, a federal appeals agreed with him. Why did the Obama administration appeal the verdict?

5. Why did the U.S. Supreme Court rule in Mr. Maclean’s favor?

6. How did Chief Justice John Roberts address the government’s concern that excusing MacLean would only encourage other federal employees to divulge secret information (which they say will pose a future threat to public safety)?

7. When the cuts were made public and Congress questioned them, the Department of Homeland Security quickly reversed the policy, calling it a mistake. Do you think the TSA still should have fired Mr. MacLean? Explain your answer.