(Fwd) Transparency: Legal Info on Covert Recording

From: John Marlow (johnrobertmarlow@yahoo.com)
Date: Sun Feb 04 2001 - 04:50:34 MST


Here we go. And no, I haven't looked up all of the statutes to see if
they're lying. It's 3am. (approximately, OKAY?)

Covert recording:

http://www.rcfp.org/handbook/viewpage.cgi?0301

Covert video:

http://www.rcfp.org/handbook/viewpage.cgi?0302

The whole enchilada:

http://www.rcfp.org/handbook/viewpage.cgi

Naturally most of these recording laws won't apply to cops--but will
to you. Note that in Maine, for instance, covertly recording the cops beating
the hell out of you in your own house may get you a $2k fine and 2
years in the slammer. (There's a bit of ambiguity in the wording on
the referenced page.) Possibly $4k and four years, if installation
and use are prosecuted separately.

    :)

And don't be expecting the media to run with your illegally-recorded
evidence, either--at least until The Supremes decide this one:

http://www.rcfp.org/news/2000/1205bararg.html

You might also check out the info on recording equipment in
courthouses. No rational reason to prevent participants from
recording the events, of course. (Court reporters will likely
disagree.) I can state from experience that official court
transcripts can be at variance with reality.

Also of interest--access a password-protected site without permission
and you're wiretapping...

http://www.rcfp.org/news/2001/0111konopv.html

John Marlow
------- End of forwarded message -------
John Marlow

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