THE MAIN effect in Maryland of publication of the newest tape transcripts is to make prosecution of Linda R. Tripp for wiretap violations more necessary.

Others have been convicted of secretly taping telephone calls here. The equipment cannot be purchased without warnings of the illegality.

Independent counsel Kenneth Starr promised Ms. Tripp that he would try to influence Maryland authorities not to prosecute her for wiretap violations.

But the more famous this scofflaw crime becomes, the more essential it is to enforce or abandon Maryland law.

Pub Date: 10/03/98