Two strong constitutional principles--the right of privacy and freedom of the press--are headed for a major confrontation in the courts. This document explores the complex problems involved in balancing the interests of individuals and of society (the first amendment is a remedy against government, not a weapon against the people). Consideration is given to this topic in relation to Congress (privacy, criminal records, and the sealing of records); the courts (lawsuits and expungement); the states; and specific problems in St. Louis, Houston, California, and Nashville. The paper concludes that, although it will not be easy to find a proper balance, it must be done, as the alternatives appear to be more of the kind of mass confusion that has spread throughout the United States and a continuing proliferation of personal information through electronic data systems. (JM)