For the Record (2)

Pirvate owners of videocassette recorders soon may become law-abiding citizens again, Monitor television critic Arthur Unger says. A recent federal appellate court ruling has made it illegal for private citizens to record copyrighted material off their television set, even if it is for their own use. On Nov. 30, the Senate Judiciary Committee will conduct hearings on a bill that would amend the Copyright Act to allow individuals to record copyrighted television shows, removing the current threat of a fire, seizure, or arrest.