Guide to Oral History and the Law (Revised)

According to the Oral History Association the term oral history refers to a method of recording and preserving oral testimony which results in a verbal document that is made available in different forms to other users researchers and the public. Ordinarily such an academic process would seem to be far removed from legal challenges. Unfortunately this is not the case. While the field has not become a legal minefield given its tremendous growth and increasing focus on contemporary topics more legal troubles could well lie ahead if sound procedures are not put in place and periodically revisited.