Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Washington

Use of tape recording with a supervisor

Is it legal to use a tape recorder to record any verbal interaction with a supervisor, presumably NOT consealed.

The reason for this is two-fold: There is a perception on my part that this supervisor is harrassing me. At the least, his demeanor is rude and belitteling. I have gone to management above him and want to avoid the ''he-said/I said'' game that can be played.

I would also be justifying the use of this recorder to the supervisor by saying that I want to make sure that I get all of his instructions correct and that there can be no misunderstanding about what is expected of me.

Thank you.


Asked on 10/25/02, 6:17 pm

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

Re: Use of tape recording with a supervisor

There is no legal prohibition against tape recording a conversation when one party [you] consents, even though the other party is unaware that tapeing is going on. It is decidedly risky in an employment situation, as you know ahead of time the party ignorant of the tapeing is going to be extremely upset when s/he finds out. Nonetheless, you may do so, legally, if you wish.

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Answered on 10/25/02, 6:56 pm


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