pen register
pen register. A mechanical device that logs dialed telephone numbers by monitoring electrical impulses. • Because a pen register does not record the telephone conversation, it does not constitute a Fourth Amendment search requiring a warrant (though it does need a court order). Some states, however, do consider the use of a pen register invasive enough to require a search warrant. Cf. WIRETAPPING. [Cases: Telecommunications 521. C.J.S. Telegraphs, Telephones, Radio, and Television §§ 247, 264, 298, 313.]