Legal Question in Criminal Law in Tennessee

Taping of phone conversations

I need some information about the legality of one person taping a phone conversation of another without their consent or knowledge. I was made aware today, 5-24-99, by a co-worker that the parent of a minor client had apparently taping a phone conversation with me. Until today I was unaware of this and never consented to any taping of any conversation with this person. Are their any laws or court decisions in TN that prohibit this? What are my options, legally, with regard to this? Can taped conversations be used in any court proceedings, such as civil court? Thank you in advance for any assistance in this.


Asked on 5/24/99, 10:29 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Jes Beard Jes Beard, Attorney at Law

Re: Taping of phone conversations

You can find an explanation of the law in Tennessee on recording conversations at my website at http://jesbeard.com/16.htm

To answer your specific questions, yes Tennessee law prohibits what you described and you would be able to sue for invasion of your privacy.

Generally speaking the rules of evidence would allow such taped conversations to be used in court as explained at my website, but many judges are so personally offended by such recording that they will not allow such evidence even if the rules would allow it.

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Answered on 5/28/99, 12:16 am


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