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Anonymous
Anonymous asked in Politics & GovernmentLaw & Ethics · 1 decade ago

Is it legal and admissible in court to record a telephone conversation?

I'm in Indiana and my girlfriend ( or ex, rather ) taped me on her cell phone making a confession to something. She is now out to burn me in Court with the tape because she became unhappy with our relationship.

It happened over a month ago and I was not aware I was being recorded.

Is it legally admissible? If not, what do I need to say in court?

If so, what can I say or do?

Thanks

1 Answer

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    While the U.S. federal law only requires one-party consent, many states have accepted different laws. In some states all parties must give their consent or at least be notified that the call is about to be recorded (with necessary opt-out option: if you don’t like them to record the call, you can ask them to stop recording). There also was a case law decision from many years ago (the 1950's) that went to the Supreme Court and affirmed that the federal law does not supersede state authority/statutes unless the call or the tap crosses state lines – that is why each state went ahead and established their own guideline/statute.

    States Requiring One Party Notification

    Alabama

    Alaska

    Arizona

    Arkansas

    Colorado

    District Of Columbia

    Georgia

    Hawaii

    Idaho

    Illinois

    Indiana

    Iowa

    Kansas

    Kentucky Louisiana

    Maine

    Minnesota

    Mississippi

    Missouri

    Nebraska

    Nevada

    New Jersey

    New Mexico

    New York

    North Carolina

    North Dakota

    Oklahoma Oregon

    Ohio

    Rhode Island

    South Carolina

    South Dakota

    Tennessee

    Texas

    Utah

    Vermont

    Virginia

    West Virginia

    Wisconsin

    Wyoming

    So technically, yes, what she did was completely legal. I honestly can't tell you what to say in court because I don't know the circumstances, but I can say, if its likely to get you into a lot of trouble, try hiring a really good attourney. Sorry I can't help more.

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