1049. Definition—"Contents"

The word "contents" is defined in 18 U.S.C. § 2510(8) to include any information concerning the substance, purport, or meaning of any wire, oral, or electronic communication. It is significant that this definition does not include the identity of the parties or the existence of the communication. The definition distinguishes between the substance, purport, or meaning of the communication, and the existence of the communication or transactional records about it. See S.Rep. No. 541, 99th Cong., 2d Sess. 13 (1986).

[cited in JM 9-60.200]