Yes, that is the general understanding under the Federal rule, but Not necessarily in each state . Per 720 ILCS 5/14-1 (Illinois Compiled Statutes) - since one of the corporate offices is in Chicago.
"For the purposes of this Article, "private conversation" means any oral communication between 2 or more persons, whether in person or transmitted between the parties by wire or other means, when one or more of the parties intended the communication to be of a private nature under circumstances reasonably justifying that expectation. A reasonable expectation shall include any expectation recognized by law, including, but not limited to, an expectation derived from a privilege, immunity, or right established by common law, Supreme Court rule, or the Illinois or United States Constitution."
Article 14 goes on for about 15 pages. The meeting was not open to the public, not even all DO schools or students - only a certain class. Did Gimpel intend the conversation to be of a private nature? That is a question of fact. You can make an argument either way. I tend to agree with you that it should not be a felony, but if your are going to go out on a limb and release it against Gimpel's express wishes, you might want to check with an attorney familiar with the state law, if Gimpel was in a Two Party State. In Illinois, this is a Class 4 felony with a penalty for a first offense of 3 years in prison. Obviously, a felony and an initial medical license don't mix, so I would be cautious.
Google indicates Gimpel's home and the executive office is in PA. Another two party state -
Title 18, Section 5703 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes reads
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a person is guilty of a felony of the third degree if
(1) intentionally intercepts, endeavors to intercept, or procures any other person to intercept or endeavor to intercept any wire, electronic, or oral communication
(2) intentionally discloses or endeavors to disclose to any other person the contents of any wire, electronic or oral communication, or evidence derived therefrom, knowing or having reason to know that the information was obtained through the interception of a wire, electronic or oral communication; or
(3) intentionally uses or endeavors to use the contents of any wire, electronic or oral communication, or evidence derived therefrom, knowing or having reason to know, that the information was obtained through the interception of a wire, electronic or oral communication.
Technology, namely the ubiquitous cell phone, has made the ability to (stealthily) record otherwise private conversations much easier. In Pennsylvania, doing so will expose you to a potential felony violation of our Wiretap Act. Whether it’s the tech-savvy teen or the disgruntled spouse, many a...
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