NCJ Number
77572
Date Published
1981
Length
86 pages
Annotation
Intended for public interest groups, businesses, attorneys, citizens, and researchers, this 1981 compilation of State and Federal privacy laws presents a picture of privacy protections that exist in 50 States.
Abstract
Four new sections reflect trends in State legislation across the country: laws punishing computer-related crimes, statutes regulating information gathering in the insurance industry, those restricting the sale and use of mailing lists, and laws limiting the use of automated devices in telephone solicitations. In addition, the book includes legislation that permits the expunction or correction of individual arrest records, especially when no conviction results; that restricts what a financial institution can tell outsiders about a customer's financial affairs; and that affects credit bureaus, consumer investigation firms, debt collectors, and users of these services. Current State laws that set disclosure and accuracy policies for criminal justice information systems are described. A data bank section presents nine State laws that permit persons to see and challenge information about themselves in Government records (Fair Information Practices Acts) as well as laws that provide partial protection. Additional sections present laws that permit public and private employees the right to inspect (and in a few cases correct) their own personnel files, laws that permit patients to see their own medical records, and laws on the issuing of State identity cards. In addition, the book lists the District of Columbia and the 16 States which prohibit the use of lie detectors in employment. Other sections list laws recognizing a right to sue for an invasion of privacy, State statutes concerning privileged communications, laws limiting disclosure of school records and rights of access by parents or students, and laws limiting the disclosure of social security numbers. Additional sections cover the use of tax records and wiretapping. A chart of State and Federal laws is given, and texts of representative statutes are appended. This complilation is intended to be used with the 1978-79 edition (see NCJ 49069) which contains the texts of some of the laws cited. (Author abstract modified)