Is it legal for US citizens to investigate other Us citizens without their permission

[peaches1]

I have often wondered if it is legal for other US citizens to gather information illegally or without permission on other US citizens

[AmandaT]

It is legal to collect any information that is a matter of public record and, even though they aren't admissable in court, it is tough to keep someone from recording your conversations if they can hear them from the street in front of your home.

At least that is my understanding.

[crassus]

Now a person doesn't need permission to record someone, just to publish or make a film about them. Court records are public records. It is illegal to do something like break into a house and start going through a person's stuff.

[loyalknight10]

I think it is not illegal to collect public information and to some extent personal information. However the collected information should in no way be violating the privacy rights of the citizen.