Record phone calls and in-person talks that might turn sour: for a conversation you take part in yourself, you don't need the other side's consent first
- High value
- Evidence A
- Saves money
- Free
- Takes minutes
- No willpower
In plain words
With loans, debts, compensation, refunds and labor disputes, if you settle things on the phone and nothing is left behind, a few months later each side may tell a different story. You can record a conversation you take part in yourself, and not telling the other side beforehand does not, on that ground alone, make it unusable as evidence. What you must not do is wiretap, spy on other people's private matters, break into someone's home to record secretly, or threaten the other person into speaking.
Mentioned in
- If you are experiencing domestic violence: call the police first so a record of the response is made, then apply to the court for a personal safety protection order, with no need to divorce first and no fee
- After a sexual assault, first get to a safe place and call 110 (China's police number); before the medical exam don't shower, wash clothes or tidy the room, and go to a hospital within 72 hours
- If you are bullied, insulted or obstructed at work over a long time, don't just endure it: write it down and keep evidence first, then take the complaint, police or arbitration route that fits
Translated from the Chinese original. Original book, section 8, tip 41. This section describes legal rules, mostly mainland China’s. It is general information, not legal advice; for your own case, talk to a lawyer. Content may be out of date and rules differ by place. When you actually deal with an agency, a doctor or a court, follow what local officials, doctors and lawyers tell you. Disclaimer