The importance and benefits of using hidden cameras for security purposes is well known to all. However, the fact that they are “hidden”, thereby not letting people know the fact that they are being watched, makes the application of this technology a controversial issue. Some might even go as far to say that if people knew they were being monitored many crimes like shoplifting wouldn’t happen in the first place. Also, the fact that hidden cameras are sometimes used by miscreants to invade other people’s privacy doesn’t help matters either.
It is perhaps because of these reasons that laws related to hidden cameras aren’t very comprehensive and vary from state to state. So if you are planning on installing or using a hidden camera system in your home or workplace, then it would be wise to understand the laws relating to their use in your state so that you don’t face any legal problems or charges in the future when and if anyone discovers and/or takes offense to the truth that you were operating a hidden video surveillance system.
As it stands, the installation or operation of covert cameras is prohibited in only thirteen states of the United States of America. However, even in these thirteen states, the existing laws specifically prohibit the use or installation of surveillance equipment in those places where people reserve the right to expect a reasonable amount of privacy such as locker rooms, bathroom, bedrooms, dressing rooms etc.
In fact, in many states, footage of crime captured on tape via hidden camera is admissible in court as evidence! At the same time, it’s also true that in several states, prior consent from individuals being filmed isn’t even necessary, whereas in quite a few others, consent is obligatory, at least as far as letting people know that they are being watched is concerned.
Thus, from the above, it’s obvious that there is a lack of stringent and uniform laws covering the use and installation of hidden cameras. This is why it would be a prudent decision to educate yourself about the specific laws governing your region by consulting your local law enforcement agencies. You can also read up about the laws pertaining to secret surveillance in your area on the internet
And while we are on the topic of the legality of hidden cameras, another thing you should know in this regard is that it is considered illegal to record speech without the consent of all the parties involved in the states of Connecticut, California, Florida, Delaware, Illinois, Hawaii, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Nevada, Montana, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Washington, Oregon and Maryland.
Thus to conclude, safeguard yourself against possible future legal costs by doing your homework well in advance with regard to what you are legally allowed to do with hidden cameras in your state and where you need the draw the line between necessary surveillance and invasion of privacy!
By: Eric Jensen
Hidden Camera Laws
Know Different Acts In Employment Law
As there are many countries in this world, there are several employment laws, which apply. Such laws have been drafted so as to look after the rights of workers. They are also a source of employment advice to both employees and employers. Here are some of the federal laws.
Civil Rights Act Of 1866 And 1991: This particular employment law came into practice in 1886 but was however revised in 1991. Its aim was to make sure that all citizens from all states had equal employment rights. The rights in question were related to making or enforcing the contract documents, for suing and also giving evidence. All citizens are expected to get the same punishment or penalties for all felonies or crimes committed. Changes that were made in the 1991 amendments however made it possible for employees to sue the state for changes in conduct after the contract has been signed.
Occupational Safety and Health Act: The laws aim is to make sure that any dangers in the places of work are minimized. Training programs and holding of workshops are used to teach the employees on various safety and heath precautions that should be upheld in the work place.
Fair Labor Standards Act: This federal employment law ensures that the minimum wage that is paid to employees is 5.15 per hour. Those who are under the age of twenty can be paid a minimum of 4.25 per hour. The overtime payable to a worker should be one and a half times more than the regular pay for every hour you work overtime. The overtime should not be more than forty hours in a week. Men and women are supposed to get the same payment for work done and the only difference in payment should come about because of the level of skill that an employee has.
Worker Adjustment & Retaining Notification Act: This act makes it necessary for companies to give their employees two months notice before closing down a plant. The notice that is provided should be made known to the employees directly or through their union officials. The information given should be in writing and specific.
Disabilities Act: This act states that any person with disabilities of any kind should not be discriminated against during employment. The disabilities may be in form of mental or physical challenges.
Age Discrimination in Employment Act: An employee is not supposed to be discriminated against because of age. This is a law that protects those who are above the age of forty. As long as someone has the necessary skills, age is not a factor.
By: Frank Griffin
FCR: An Inhuman Law
In present world there are many communities that are passing their lives under inhuman laws in third world countries as well as in developing countries. Pakistan is also a country which in passing through the stages of development. The article regards an inhuman law which is applicable to the tribal people of FATA.
FATA stands for federally administrative tribal areas. On the boarder of Afghanistan and Pakistan there living Pukhtoon tribes in hilly areas which have lack of social development. There population is about fifty lakes now a day. According to the Constitution of Pakistan, article 247, Pakistani law is not applicable to the tribal built and FCR should be applicable to these areas.
As we discussed that FCR stands for frontier crimes regulation. Originally it is a British law which had applied to control the tribal people during colonial government. It has 64 articles and most of them are against basic human rights while government of Pakistan says that these are according to the cultural set up of tribal people
Some main points of FCR are as bellow that is against basic human rights.
According to the article 40 of FCR if any tribal commits any crime his whole tribe will be responsible for his wrong act and government can arrest any person of his tribe. So it is clear that it is against human rights because every person is responsible for his/her wrong act another concept is that in tribal culture if a person commit crime only his family supports him rather than his whole tribe so as Anthropological point of view FCR should be amend that tribal responsibility should be changed to family responsibility and government can arrest his other family members and not his other tribal.
Another point is that if any murder case happened near one’s home that person will be responsible for murder. It is clear that each government is responsible for the safety of all citizens and no citizen is responsible for the safety of other citizens so why should a government arrest a person for a not committed crime.
According to FCR tribal people have no right of appeal to any court in the country. They can solve their disputes under the authority of political administration of Pakistani government. So it is also against human rights because why a person can not go to court for his/her rights.
Another and last reason for the wrongness of FCR is that FATA is under the control of Pakistani government than why there is different law for people of one country.
We can suggest that Pakistani government should amend FCR in the context of present culture of tribal people and universal human rights.
Aftab Ahmad Mallagori
Khyber Agency
By: aftab ahmad khan mallagori