Can I use a recording of a Meeting in Small Claims Court

[pmorley]

I had an operation some time ago and it went wrong and I needed a further follow up operation. The Doctor agreed that the operation was wrong and that he would refund the cost, he stated in the meeting that he would lose out as he would have to pay the hospital costs too and said he would pay after I had the corrective surgery. Following the surgery I requested my money and he only offered his fees not the hopsital charges. I have all of this on a recording I took of the meeting (without his knowledge although I have since told him and he has heard the tape). I am taking the Doctor to small claims court to get my money back but do not know if I can use the tape, which is obviously vital to my case.

[ugly_bob]

As far as I know, yes.

It's only telephone conversations that you have to tell people that they are being recorded.

[Loosehead]

Of course, useful valid evidence. Wouldn't be suprised if he settled out of court.

[sddsddean]

Small Claims courts are fairly informal, so if you say to the presiding 'judge', "I've got this recording that will clear all this up", he/she will probably say "Lets hear it if the Doc has no objections". If the Doc has objections, this can only be 'cos its incriminating, so you should win both ways...hopefully!