In the News: Story on Audio Bugs in Georgia Courthouse
I’m quoted in a story from Metro Spirit, "Bugs in the courthouse," which asks, "Is the Columbia County Sheriff’s Department listening in on attorney-client conversations by using secret audio surveillance equipment in the courthouse?" It’s a pretty interesting story. I would have preferred if some of my more nuanced statements were quoted, but I think the gist of my argument is there. An excerpt:
This attorney and two others tell Metro Spirit they believe their client conversations, traditionally respected as immune from eavesdropping and forced disclosure, may have been violated at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, the county’s main courthouse on Ronald Reagan Drive. They say odd things have happened in that building that could only be explained by the unethical use of the building’s audio surveillance equipment.
Legal experts say this type of undisclosed audio surveillance, which the Columbia County Sheriff’s Department admits is part of the facility’s security plan, might violate the Georgia law on wiretapping.
Legal or illegal, it has had an effect on the practice of law in Columbia County.
“Attorneys all over town know about this,” said a second attorney, but adds that nobody wants to speak up. Metro Spirit confirmed through conversations with members of the legal community, even those who have never had a similar problem, that they refuse to engage in sensitive conversations in any room of the courthouse, including those set aside for discussions between attorneys and clients. Fearing retribution, they have asked to remain anonymous.
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