How to tell if a cellphone is new or refurbished?

I have a question about a Motorola Razr V3R that I purchased I am having some audio issues with a buzzing noise in the grill of the phone. However, I am trying to decide whether I want to get the phone repaired or just get a new one.

I noticed a green colored dot underneath the battery on the phone right next to the sim card area where the sim card goes in. I am wondering if the green dot indicates that it is a refurbished phone and whether or not to just get a new razr phone.

Is it legal to use an Ipod to record a conversation between the Ipod owner?

Ipod owner is using device as a tape recorder to record conversations between the Ipod owner, our son, and his mother. The Ipod owner is also using it to record conversations between other people in the household. He is now threatening to use the recording to cause legal actions against his parents. We were not told of his recording conversations. Residency is in Missouri.