Home/DC Code/§ 23-554
§ 23-554Title 23

Authorization for recovery of civil damages.

Any person whose wire or oral communication is intercepted, disclosed, or used in violation of this subchapter shall — have a civil cause of action against any person who intercepts, discloses, or uses, or procures any other person to intercept, disclose, or use, such communications; and be entitled to recover from any such person — actual damages, but not less than liquidated damages computed at the rate of $100 a day for each day of violation, or $1,000 whichever is higher; punitive damages; and a reasonable attorney’s fee and other litigation costs reasonably incurred. Good faith reliance on a court order or legislative authorization shall constitute a complete defense to an action brought under this section or any other law. As used in this section, the term “person” includes the District of Columbia. The District of Columbia shall not assert any governmental immunity to avoid liability under this section. Judgment against the District of Columbia shall not constitute a bar to action against any other person.

Annotations

July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 626, Pub. L. 91-358, title II, § 210(a)
1973 Ed., § 23-554.
1981 Ed., § 23-554.
This section is referenced in § 23-556.
Return of property by Property Clerk, see § 5-119.06.
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Sourced from the DC Council Open Law Library (public domain).

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