Module Identifier |
LAM3220 |
Module Title |
COMPUTER NETWORKS & THE LAW |
Academic Year |
2007/2008 |
Co-ordinator |
Professor Diane Rowland |
Semester |
Intended for use in future years |
Next year offered |
N/A |
Next semester offered |
N/A |
Other staff |
Miss Anne-Kathrin Kuehnel |
Course delivery |
Seminars / Tutorials | 1.5 hour seminar per week |
Learning outcomes
Three main objectives will be pursued namely to familiarise students with the theoretical debate surrounding governance of the internet, to assess critically the implications of this debate in some specific legal disciplines and to formulate alternative theoretical and practical solutions where appropriate. As a result, on completion of the module, students should be able to discuss the theoretical aspects of internet governance and the problems of jurisdiction and choice of law. They should be able to assess the practical factors affecting legal regulation of the internet in specific areas and should be able to analyse the approaches taken in a number of jurisdictions to regulate activities on global computer networks.
Brief description
This module introduces students to the legal challenges created by the increasing use of global computer networks. The impact of the use of the internet and world wide web both within the business environment (and more widely) extends far beyond its use as a vehicle for commercial transactions. In order to gain full benefit from the advantages that can be gained from the use of these networks it is vital to recognise the legal problems and assess the proposed solutions. The purpose of the module is to provide students with the theoretical and practical background surrounding the continuing legal challenges arising out of this activity and to enable informed criticism about the nature of the current legal solutions.
Content
Syllabus
1. Generic issues relating to computer network and the law including regulation by law and code, use of metaphor and legal reasoning, intermediary liability.
2. Privacy protection and data protection. The conflict between the different regulatory approaches taken in the US and EU.
3. Regulation of content on the internet and world wide web with particular reference to freedom of expression and defamation.
4. Intellectual property rights on the Internet including the problems of linking and framing and the protection available for domain names.
5. Computer crime and hacking.
Reading Lists
Books
** Recommended Text
Rowland & Macdonald (2005) Information Technology Law
3rd. Cavendish
** Recommended Background
Akdeniz et al (2000) The Internet, Law and Society
Longman
Edwards & Waelde (2000) Law and the Internet
2nd. Hart
Lessig (1999) Code and other laws of cyberspace
Basic Books
Marsden (2000) Regulating the Global Society
Routledge
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 7