Wiretapping

Wiretapping, interception of telephone conversations without the knowledge of those communicating. Wiretapping and the use of other “bugging” devices by private citizens are prohibited by U.S., federal, and state laws, but there has always been argument about whether police and other government officials should be able to use wiretapping to detect crimes and collect evidence. In 1968 Congress passed a law allowing wiretapping to be used in cases involving national security and certain serious crimes, provided that a court order is first obtained.