Recording police likely not illegal in Md.
The Maryland Attorney General's Office says it's likely not a violation of Maryland's wiretap law to make an audio recording of a police officer during an arrest.
Maryland law requires the consent of both parties to record private conversations. Earlier this year, a motorcyclist was charged with violating the law for recording his traffic stop by a state trooper. That case is still pending.
But Deputy Attorney General Robert McDonald says the case likely wouldn't hold up to legal scrutiny. McDonald wrote to Delegate Sandy Rosenberg that a court would likely conclude that a traffic stop does not constitute a private conversation.
-- Associated Press
By
Washington Post editors
| July 30, 2010; 4:42 PM ET
Categories:
Crime and Public Safety, Maryland
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Posted by: ceebee2 | July 30, 2010 5:55 PM | Report abuse
The fact that the guy would be charged with violating wiretap laws demonstrates how thoroughly corrupt police are.
Posted by: ashafer_usa | July 30, 2010 6:53 PM | Report abuse
Thank God. But what about video recordings? Is there a distinction?
Posted by: secretchimp | July 30, 2010 8:25 PM | Report abuse
"Likely" not a violation? Way to aggressively uphold the rule of law in Maryland, Mr. Attorney General.
I would have been more impressed if the AG had dared to say that this was "clearly" a case with no merit, and "likely" a malicious prosecution. But I guess it's politically incorrect for an elected official to criticize police or prosecutors, no matter how egregious their behavior.
Posted by: kcx7 | July 30, 2010 8:28 PM | Report abuse
How is it that Maryland State Troopers have dash cams that records everyting without the consent of the person being pulled over, however, when a regular civilian does it, it's a crime? Talk about a double standard!!!
Posted by: MyStErY1 | July 30, 2010 8:46 PM | Report abuse
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If the police can record, the citizenry can record.