Module Identifier | LAM0120 | ||
Module Title | COMPUTER LAW | ||
Academic Year | 2001/2002 | ||
Co-ordinator | Dr Diane Rowland | ||
Semester | Semester 1 | ||
Other staff | Miss Elizabeth Macdonald | ||
Course delivery | Seminar | 2 Hours This course will involve a series of Postgraduate Seminars, lasting one and half hours to be held once a week throughout the semester. Students wil be given suggested reading in advance of each seminar and will also be provided with questions for discussion. Students may be required to work in groups or individually, both in preparation for and during the seminars and to make presentations to the rest of the seminar group. | |
Assessment | Seminar presentation | 20% | |
Essay | Studdents have the option of one of the following: 1. 2 x 3000 word essays 2. 1 x 6000 word essay | 80% |
The principal aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the emerging field of computer law. Students
will be encouraged to address the conceptual issues arising from the developing technology as well as considering the practical
problems of the use of computers for diverse and changing applications. Legal principles will be applied to contemporary and
novel legal problems created by advances in the relevant technology enabling students to formulate both theoretical and
practical solutions.
1. Regulation of the Internet
Theory, practice and feasibility of regulation of global computer networks. The use of and amendment of existing law, drafting of new law, the advantages and disadvantages of self-regulation. Specific studies of the areas of computer crime, privacy and freedom of expression on line, regulation of content.
2. Computer software and the law
Contract and the supply of software. Is a contract to supply software a contract for goods or services? Contracts for the supply and installation of computer systems. Liability for defective software.
Intellectual property and computer software. Copyright ? protection as a `literary work?. The situation in the US and UK compared. The EC software directive and its implementation. Patenting computer software. The advantages and disadvantages of sui generis rights ? a comparison with the protection of intellectual property rights in databases,