Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Missouri

Stalking to videotape me in public place

A neighbor follows me and 4 other neighbors walking dogs in a city park, together or separately. The neighbor videotapes us, claiming to prove violations of dog ordinances. The neighbor also yells and cusses at us and threatens to kill dogs. We are summoned to court in July 2002 to be fined based on videotapes made by the neighbor. Is the videotaper within his/her rights to follow & film in a city park, hoping to catch a violation? Do the park-walkers have a right to walk without being followed and filmed?


Asked on 5/31/02, 1:20 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Charles Aspinwall Charles S. Aspinwall, J.D., LLC

Re: Stalking to videotape me in public place

One generally has no expectation of privacy in a public setting, and being videotaped is one of the things which happens to us all these days quite frequently. It is not illegal for your neighbor to videotape you and your dogs, but if you are following the law in handling your pets then of what value is the video tape other than to prove that you are law-abiding?

The more important question is the abuse by the neighbor and the apparent attempt to instill fear in those who walk their dogs. This the law does not permit, and it is called harrassment or stalking. Investigate the requirements of the stalking laws in your town/state to see if there is relief for you provided there. Also speak with the police or DA about being sworn at or otherwise verablly abused, as such antics are not OK under the criminal law.

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Answered on 6/01/02, 12:22 am


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