Legal and Practical Issues in Computer Crime (6310)

This course will explore the legal and practical issues confronting judges, prosecutors, private attorneys, and law enforcement officers as they try to apply principles of criminal and constitutional law and procedure to the new world created by the monumental expansion of the Internet and the Information Technology revolution. Among other topics, the course will cover:

1. The basic architecture of the Internet;
2. Jurisdiction in the virtual world;
3. The 4th Amendment in cyberspace;
4. Federal and state computer crime statues;
5. A discussion of particular crimes in detail, such as "hacking," or unlawful network intrusions, online sexual solicitation of minors, and identity theft;
6. The law of electronic surveillance (computer "wiretapping");
7. Privacy rights, encryption, and e-commerce personal data-gathering in the online world;
8. Compelling production of electronically-stored information.

Format will combine lectures/presentations by the professors and guest speakers with student-led discussion of specific topics.

Reading will consist of materials and cases for each week. Students will be expected to participate in class discussions, and complete reading assignments.