I'm in Australia, but as I understand it, you need to advise a person you will be recording the conversation. I don't think you need to get permission, they just have to be made aware at the onset which gives them the option not to continue.

I also thought recorded conversations were not submissable evidence without the consent of parties however I was not aware you could get in trouble for taping. I guess there would be breeches of confidentiality which would be more the issue than the act of taping itself.

Someone please correct me if I am wrong.