Electronic Recording Project

There are few aspects of police work more important than questioning arrested suspects in felony investigations. To a large extent, our criminal justice system depends upon the accuracy of how the results are reported including all statements, physical actions, facial expressions, and tones of voice of individuals under interrogation.

The state map has been updated to feature the most current information on pending/enacted legislation and case law in each state, and the full compendium can be downloaded below.

During the past decade there has been an increasing use of electronic recording equipment by law enforcement to record their interrogations of felony suspects from the Miranda warnings on.  Subsequently, there has been concurrent support for legislation and court rules governing these recordings, to ensure statewide consistency in police and sheriffs’ practices and procedures.  For example, in 2003, there were two state supreme courts that required recording of custodial interrogations and four others followed suit. See below for information about other countries' policies and the positions of various national organizations, as well as a downloadable version of the compendium.

Tom Sullivan, NACDL member and partner with Jenner & Block, compiled the Compendium and provides an introduction to the project below.

To submit any updates on jurisdictions, please contact Andrew Vail at AVail@jenner.com. For more information about the project please contact scjn@nacdl.org.

Explore keywords to find information

RECENTLY ADDED & UPCOMING

  1. The Champion
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    March/April 2025

    What are the evidentiary implications of field sobriety tests in marijuana cases? Does the odor of marijuana give officers probable cause to search a vehicle?

  2. Amicus Brief
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    Jenner & Block LLP v. U.S. Department of Justice

    Brief of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and New York Council of Defense Lawyers as Amici Curiae in Support of Plaintiff’s Motion for Summary Judgment.

  3. News Release
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    News Release ~ Law Enforcement Executive Order

    NACDL Warns Executive Order's Dangerous Overreach Undermines Community Safety and Trust in Police – Washington, DC (April 29, 2025) – The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) expressed deep concern regarding the Executive Order titled "Strengthening and Unleashing America’s Law Enforcement to Pursue Criminals and Protect Innocent Citizens," cautioning that several of its proposals represent a dangerous overreach that undermines these goals by jeopardizing individual rights and the legitimacy of law enforcement in the eyes of the community.

  4. Event
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    Trial Tactics for Pregnancy-Related Cases: Skills for Every Defender

    LOCATION: The University of Texas School of Law, Austin, TX
    DATE: May 16-17, 2025
    COST: FREE (registration is required)
    CLE Credit: Up to 14.5 credits 

  5. Webinar
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    Collaborative Approaches to Appellate Defense: Recognizing Clients' Legal Expertise

    WHEN: Thursday, May 8, 3:00-4:30pm ET / 12:00-1:30pm PT
    CLE CREDIT: not available
    COST: Free