What's Trending Now
More Trending Words
Law Dictionary
pen register
noun
pen reg·is·ter
Legal Definition of pen register
: a device that registers the numbers dialed from a telephone — compare wiretap
Explore Merriam-Webster
Additional Notes on pen register
A court order is always required for the use of a pen register in a criminal investigation, but such use has not been considered a search or interception of communication by the U.S. Supreme Court. Some states have disagreed and discern a privacy interest in such information.
Origin and Etymology of pen register
perhaps from the original use of a pen to mark the dots or dashes used in counting the numbers dialed
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up pen register? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!