Is it legal to video tape people without audio in public places without them knowing?
102119
In cases where they are just in the background, incidental to what you are doing, I don't see how anyone could expect you to get their permission to tape them.  It is the intentional pointing of a camera at a subject which is important legally.\n\nRemember, too, that most of the time those incidentally included will not even be recognizable when the tape is played.  A lot of times, you won't even realize they are there until you play it back.  I don't know whether there is case law on the subject, but I can't see how anyone could successfully argue that you had violated their rights in such a case.  The right in question is generally a right to be paid for their appearance.  Clearly you cannot pay all the people in a crowd scene, and I am confident that "included by accident" subjects, even if only a few and not a crowd, fall into the same category.  \n\nHowever, I should warn you that I am not a lawyer.  If someone hassles you, it is probably worth it to offer to reshoot the scene without them.  If you are sued, you will need a lawyer.  I am merely pointing out that the law is, generally speaking, rational.  When a judge makes a ruling that seems strange, he will offer justification based on statute and case law.  The strangeness usually comes from an otherwise sensible law (or prior ruling) being applied to something unanticipated.
363372
They never were. It has always been legal to videotape in your own house, even without the person's permission.
980638
Probably not since it's not a hidden camera.  If there is a private place to change that makes a difference too.  You need to ask your boss why the camera is there.\n\nIt is illegal to have a hidden camera, but not to have one that is not hidden.\n\nIt is legal for Government employess to be videotaped in locker rooms.  State and local laws vary.
1111373
Since a trial is a public event, video cameras should be allowed in the courtroom.  However, a federal law should be passed that states that courtroom video's can only be used for "documentary use only"; that any other use is prohibited by law and subject to severe penalty...to keep media sources from using it as 'commentary', which we know can affect a juror's judgment.
332586
It is fun, but illegal unless the other party knows that you are taping the conversation.
792165
Yes, in the UK it is covered by the data protection act which has a specific section regarding the use of CCTV, check out the Information Commissioner link below.
167934
If it's something you recorded yourself then no of course not
497819
You can't. You need thier permission to do it, unless it'e in a public chat room and thier webcam is available for everyone to watch.
617621
They should be able to watch you in public , but not in private.
1076815
Ultimately the court has the discretion whether or not to admit something like this into evidence and usually in very rare circumstances.  People are not allowed to be voice recorded without their consent and if it's the main piece of evidence in the case it is likely that the court will find it inadmissible and ask that party to make it's case with other facts and evidence.
630765
no it was a public place and the guy knew he was being recorded, even if he didnt know its ok because it was in public, had you gone to his window at his house and tried to record him it would be different, but i would say turn the tape into the local news, and show them the shaddy laundry attendant. good luck
294604
Install a video recorder in your living room or bedroom and record while they are there (suspected) alone.  YOu'll get your answer.
160681
you can't you have to have permission to watch without their knowledge is the same as being a Peeping Tom"
28669
you should probably leave that alone. It's not a video.
673798
Actually, most trials allow video taping by the press UNLESS there is motion made by either sides in the case to prohibit video taping or the judge decides that no cameras are going to be allowed. The reason you don't see many videos of famous cases is because the lawyers made a motion and the judge ruled in their favor, or the judge decided him/herself not to allow it. The Constitution says that each person is gauranteed a public trial; no ifs, ands or buts, you just have to go in person.
835093
I wont pretend I know how it works in Texas (I'm in Australia), but generally, the rules of evidence are more relaxed in civil law cases.  It will probably be up to the sitting judge to decide whether it gets admitted, based on it how probative, reliable, etc. it is.  This evidence sounds probative AND reliable, so that's a good sign.\n\nI very much doubt it's illegal to tape record somebody without them knowing, unless you plan to publish the conversation in breach of their rights of privacy/confidentiality or something.  Laws against secretly recording stuff usually focus on what you actually do with the information, not the fact that you recorded it.  But you guys have a constitutional right to privacy so dont quote me on that.\n\nBut it might still be inadmissable in court, because of a law neither you nor me know about it, so we need to get back to the golden rule of civil litigation, which is: Dont do it unless there's absolutely no other option because its really really expensive.  Keep hounding the guy for a bit longer.  If he still doesn't pay up, talk to a lawyer and the lawyer will be able to hound him more effectively as well as telling you if your tape recorded evidence is legal and admissable.  If all else fails, you can sue.\n\nBut definitely dont start legal proceedings without legal advice.  Good luck mate
1006533
Yes, but any party that is recording audio of any conversation has to inform the other that they are being recorded.  You don't have to agree to be recorded but unfortunately the company can discipline as they see fit.