Internet Law Commons^™

Crafting A License To Know From A Privilege To Access, Jane K. Winn

Washington Law Review

Recognizing a defense to a claim of trespass in Internet cases based on a finding of constructive consent provides a doctrinal basis for privileging some forms of access while acknowledging a right to exclude certain other forms of access. Focusing attention on the public character of the Internet and assigning a clear legal significance to the equipment owner's deliberate choice to participate in that arena provide a more secure legal foundation for such a privilege to access than the "functional impairment" standard offered by the California Supreme Court. The contours of such a doctrine of constructive consent to Internet access …

Rise Of The Machines: Justice Information Systems And The Question Of Public Access To Court Records Over The Internet, Gregory M. Silverman

Washington Law Review

In the first half of the present Article, I introduce the reader to this technology (Part II) and its likely role in evolving justice information systems (Parts I and III). In the second half of the Article, I enter the debate over whether the public should be permitted access to court records over the Internet. After explaining the origins, history, and principal sides of this debate (Part IV), I argue, first, that when used properly, XML permits the public to have access to court records over the Internet while promoting public safety and protecting personal security (Part V) and, second, …

Investigating Terrorism: The Role Of The First Amendment, Amy E. Hooper

Duke Law & Technology Review

This iBrief discusses the constitutionality of a government policy enacted shortly after September 11, 2001 that denies public access to deportation hearings in cases allegedly bearing some connection to terrorism. This ibrief discusses two Circuit Courts of Appeals decisions on the issue and argues that this policy is unconstitutional.

"Defendant Veto" Or "Totality Of The Circumstances?": It's Time For The Supreme Court To Straighten Out The Personal Jurisdiction Standard Once Again, Robert J. Condlin

Faculty Scholarship

Commentators frequently claim that there is no single, coherent doctrine of extra-territorial personal jurisdiction, and, unfortunately, they are correct. The International Shoe case, commonly (but inaccurately) thought of as the wellspring of the modern form of the doctrine, announced a relatively straightforward, two-factor, four-permutation test that worked well for resolving most cases. In the nearly sixty-year period following Shoe, however, as the Supreme Court expanded and refined the standard, what was once straightforward and uncomplicated became serendipitous and convoluted. Two general, and generally incompatible, versions of the doctrine competed for dominance. The first, what might best be described as …

The Hegemony Of The Copyright Treatise, Ann Bartow

Law Faculty Scholarship

This Article asserts that major conceptions about the appropriate structure, texture, and span of copyright protections and privileges have been fashioned by copyright treatises, particularly the various editions of Nimmer on Copyright. Copyright treatises function in concert with the machinations of Congress, the courts, and custom, but their role is not often scrutinized.

Because copyright treatises typically do a far better job than Congress or the courts of explicating copyright law in straightforward and accessible language, such treatises can not only communicate the copyright law, but also influence its development and direction. Policy makers no doubt understand that content owners …

Privatizing Information And Information Technology – Whose Life Is It Anyway?, 22 J. Marshall J. Computer & Info. L. 375 (2004), Ellen Dannin

UIC John Marshall Journal of Information Technology & Privacy Law

As the United States government collects personal and private information about each of us, the government must also consider ways of preventing that information from falling into the wrong hands. In the wrong hands, that information can be turned against the individual – from blackmailing to more nefarious acts, such as terrorism. However, the government trend of outsourcing information gathering tasks has dramatically increased the chances of the wrong people receiving sensitive information. The government has been outsourcing information gathering tasks because of their failure to develop sufficient in-house expertise to handle information gathering. A second reason is that some …

Defining Cyberterrorism, 22 J. Marshall J. Computer & Info. L. 397 (2004), Mohammad Iqbal

UIC John Marshall Journal of Information Technology & Privacy Law

This article explores the definition of the term “cyberterrorism” in light of available literature and recent legislation in an attempt to distinguish cyberterrorism from other cyber activities and crimes. Cyberterrorism is the convergence of terrorism and cyberspace. The author discusses the differences between true cyberterrorism – that is, actual harm caused by cyber attacks – versus less malignant attacks that do more to annoy than harm. The author points out that the main difference between cyberterrorism and other cyber attacks, such as hacking and cracking, is that cyberterrorists are politically motivated, while other cyber attackers have non-politic motives.

Democracy In Decline: Can Internet Voting Save The Electoral Process?, 22 J. Marshall J. Computer & Info. L. 409 (2004), Bryan Mercurio

UIC John Marshall Journal of Information Technology & Privacy Law

Voter confidence that votes are accurately cast, counted, and kept are at an all time low. The traditional methods of voting has proven itself time and time again to be untrustworthy and unreliable, as evidenced recently in the 2000 presidential elections. The time is now ripe to thoroughly investigate alternative methods of casting ballots as a way to restore voter confidence in the electoral system. Using the Internet to assist the electoral system has emerged as a potential option in order to remedy many defects within the electoral process. However, Internet voting is untested and less transparent than traditional voting …

The Fourth Amendment And The Wiretap Act Fail To Protect Against Random Isp Monitoring Of E-Mails For The Purpose Of Assisting Law Enforcement, 22 J. Marshall J. Computer & Info. L. 493 (2004), Jim W. Ko

UIC John Marshall Journal of Information Technology & Privacy Law

This article takes the position that the Wiretap Act and the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) does little to provide protection against internet service providers (ISPs) that randomly monitor e-mails for the purpose of turning over evidence of criminal activities to law enforcement officials. The article provides a background to the special privacy issues that arise in the context of computer technology and ISPs. An analysis of the Wiretap Act, as amended by the ECPA, reveals that an implicit statutory prohibition against random surveillance by ISPs for the purpose of assisting law enforcement does in fact exist. Further, remedies for …

The Global Rise Of A Duty To Disclose Information Security Breaches, 22 J. Marshall J. Computer & Info. L. 457 (2004), Ethan Preston, Paul Turner

UIC John Marshall Journal of Information Technology & Privacy Law

Section 1798.82 requires computer database operators to disclose security breaches involving personal data information to both the subjects of the data and the owners of the personal data. However, this commentary views Section 1798.82 with apprehension, but takes the position that much broader duties to disclose such breaches are already in place. This article begins with a discussion about legislation that expressly require disclosure of computer security breaches, such as Section 1798.82 and Article 4 of the European Union Telecommunications and Electronic Communications Privacy Directives. Then it follows with a discussion about legislation and common law that implicitly requires disclosure …

Dow Jones And The Defamatory Defendant Down Under: A Comparison Of Australian And American Approaches To Libelous Language In Cyberspace, 22 J. Marshall J. Computer & Info. L. 553 (2004), Richard L. Creech

UIC John Marshall Journal of Information Technology & Privacy Law

No abstract provided.

A Normative Critique Of Private Domain Name Dispute Resolution, 22 J. Marshall J. Computer & Info. L. 625 (2004), J.R. Hildenbrand

UIC John Marshall Journal of Information Technology & Privacy Law

In recent years, much has been made of the rapid expansion and tremendous commercial potential of the Internet. As such, domain names that contain or imply an entities trademarked name have become extremely valuable to these entities. The difficulty, however, is balancing the rights of the trademark owners with Internet users within the burgeoning commercial environment. This comment examines the balance between the Uniform Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) and traditional trademark protection. It discusses several persuasive documents including the International Trademark Association’s 1997 White Paper and the United States Department of Commerce’s Green and White papers. The comment further develops …

The Destruction Of Media Diversity, Or: How The Fcc Learned To Stop Regulating And Love Corporate Dominated Media, 22 J. Marshall J. Computer & Info. L. 569 (2004), Christa Corrine Mclintock

UIC John Marshall Journal of Information Technology & Privacy Law

Christa Corrine McLintock’s “The Destruction of Media Diversity, or: How the FCC Learned to Stop Regulating and Love Corporate Dominated Media” investigates the current corporate consolidation climate and the efficacy of alternative media outlets. McLintock examines the history of the Federal Communication Commission (“FCC”) and its current trend toward deregulation. McLintock argues that the Internet has failed to level the playing field between alternative media outlets and mainstream media conglomerates. She concludes that increased regulation is not only the most viable solution to the alternative media’s predicament, but also the means through which to satisfy the FCC’s stated goals, facilitate …

Www.Yourname.Com: How Useful Is The Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy ("Udrp") In Protecting Personal Names From Cybersquatters?, 22 J. Marshall J. Computer & Info. L. 535 (2004), Georgette H. Tarnow

UIC John Marshall Journal of Information Technology & Privacy Law

No abstract provided.

Is The Acpa A Safe Haven For Trademark Infringers? - Rethinking The Unilateral Application Of The Lanham Act, 22 J. Marshall J. Computer & Info. L. 655 (2004), Jinku Hwang

UIC John Marshall Journal of Information Technology & Privacy Law

The Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act (ACPA) was enacted in 1999 as a response to international disputes over Internet domain names because according to the Congress’ point of view, courts could not successfully protected American businesses in cases where nothing more that the registration of a trademark or its variation in a domain name had occurred. This article analyzes recent court decisions regarding domain name disputes after the enactment of ACPA focusing on reverse domain name hijacking in international, trademark related and gTLD disputes. The author argues that the in rem jurisdiction provided by the ACPA and the consequent extraterritorial effect …

The States And The Electronic Communications Privacy Act: The Need For Legal Processes That Keep Up With The Times, 22 J. Marshall J. Computer & Info. L. 695 (2004), Monique Mattei Ferraro

UIC John Marshall Journal of Information Technology & Privacy Law

In criminal investigation when hours may mean the difference between successful resolution of a case or not, law enforcement must have an effective method of obtaining necessary information. The author offers an overview of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) and proceeds in a presentation of cybercrime investigations. The article further examines the differences and the occasional conflict existing between the federal and state law, traced into the variety and multitude of state and local laws and procedures regulating the obtaining of information but also into lack of state and local resources. Indeed state and local laws not only differ …

The Concept Of "Harm" In Computer-Generated Images Of Child Pornography, 22 J. Marshall J. Computer & Info. L. 717 (2004), Jisuk Woo

UIC John Marshall Journal of Information Technology & Privacy Law

There has been a lot of controversy about the harm caused by computer-generated child pornography. This article examines the new ways in which technological development has created new concerns about child pornography especially in the context of challenging the concept of “harm” in the existing child pornography law. The author presents and discusses the existing child pornography laws and jurisprudence as well as the relevant arguments raised against it most of which are based on the “harm” caused by child pornography. This concept of “harm” and the different ways it is conceived and understood is analyzed and empirical evidence supporting …

Retention Of Communications Data: A Bumpy Road Ahead, 22 J. Marshall J. Computer & Info. L. 731 (2004), Abu Bakar Munir, Siti Hajar Mohd Yasin

UIC John Marshall Journal of Information Technology & Privacy Law

The EU Electronic Privacy Directive of 2002 requires members to ensure the confidentiality of communications but allows member states to restrict the scope of such protection for national security and defense reasons as well as to prevent, investigate detect and prosecute crimes. Despite the criticism a provision on retention of communications date was inserted, reversing thus the position taken under the previous EU Telecommunications Privacy Directive of 1997. This article presents the evolution of the EU Electronic Privacy Directive of 2002 starting from the initial proposal of 2000 which did not include a retention of data provision, to the final …

"You Have The Right To Remain Silent . . . You Have No Right To Your Dna" Louisiana's Dna Detection Of Sexual And Violent Offender's Act: An Impermissible Infringement On Fourth Amendment Search And Seizure, 22 J. Marshall J. Computer & Info. L. 759 (2004), Reneé A. Germaine

UIC John Marshall Journal of Information Technology & Privacy Law

In 2003 Louisiana legislature enacted the DNA Detection Of Sexual And Violent Offenders Act requiring that any person arrested for certain offenses must submit to a DNA sample extraction to be stored with the State’s DNA databank, for the purpose to be utilized as a tool for identification in the criminal investigation and in discovering missing persons. The comment, after a brief presentation of the history of the Act and the DNA technology overview, argues that the Act infringes the Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable search and seizure. It presents the already established standards of probable cause as well as …

To: [email protected]: Privilege At Risk?, 23 J. Marshall J. Computer & Info. L. 75 (2004), Dion Messer

UIC John Marshall Journal of Information Technology & Privacy Law

As more attorneys now days use the e-mail as their primary source of communication with their clients, new issues arise regarding the potential threat to attorney-client communication privilege resulting from the standard and systematic employer monitoring of their employees e-mails. Indeed employers monitor their employees’ computer use and in some cases terminate employees as result of this monitoring, for various reasons such as to increase of employee productivity and efficiency, protect their public image, prevent workplace harassment, protect their Intellectual Property assets and their network capacity. Given the systematic workplace monitoring but also the fact that contrary to the American …

Lessons For The Hague: Internet Jurisdiction In Contract And Tort Cases In The European Community And The United States, 23 J. Marshall J. Computer & Info. L. 1 (2004), Moritz Keller

UIC John Marshall Journal of Information Technology & Privacy Law

With the increasing use of the Internet, all on-line users, web site owners, e-commerce companies and consumers alike, feel the need to be able to rely on clear standards for a potential contract or tort lawsuit following the Internet presence that could lead to multinational litigation. This goal could be achieved if the negotiations of the Hague Convention on international jurisdiction and enforcement of foreign judgments in civil and commercial matters succeed in harmonizing the rules of the different legal systems around the globe, or at least create a minimum standard for legal cases which would benefit greatly e-commerce and …

Geo-Location Technologies And Other Means Of Placing Borders On The 'Borderless' Internet, 23 J. Marshall J. Computer & Info. L. 101 (2004), Dan Jerker B. Svantenson

UIC John Marshall Journal of Information Technology & Privacy Law

Until recently it was considered impossible or at least pointless to attempt to identify the actual geographic location of Internet users in the online environment. However, this is changing and, although extremely accurate geographical identifiers do not exist, more geo-location technologies are used to track the location of the Internet users for a variety of reasons such as fraud detection, authentication, content targeting, security and network efficiency, conditioning access and legal compliance. The article distinguishes between hard protection provided by geo-location technologies and soft protection provided by non-technical means. It then proceeds in presenting and examining the geo-location technologies, sophisticated …

The Truth About The Truth In Domain Names Act: Why This Recently Enacted Law Is Unconstitutional, 23 J. Marshall J. Computer & Info. L. 141 (2004), Michael Honig

UIC John Marshall Journal of Information Technology & Privacy Law

In April 2003 the Prosecutorial Remedies and other Tools to End the Exploitation of Children Today Act of 2003 (PROTECT Act) was enacted with the goal to protect children from abduction and abuse and achieve a more aggressive pursuit of the individuals committing crimes against the children. Although the AMBER Alert system is the most known portion of the legislation other provisions including the Truth in Domain Names Act (TDNA) making the use of a misleading Internet domain name to deceive a person to view pornography a criminal offense were also included. This comment first discusses the case of John …

Open And Closed: Captioning Technology As A Means To Equality, 23 J. Marshall J. Computer & Info. L. 159 (2004), Faye Kuo

UIC John Marshall Journal of Information Technology & Privacy Law

It is well known that going to the movies is an extremely popular pastime for the Americans. However for millions of Americans who are deaf or hard of hearing this is not something that they can enjoy in the same terms as the rest of the other movie goers since most movie theater operators consider that providing “equal access” to deaf or hard of hearing individuals consists only of allowing them to enter the theater, purchase and ticket and sit down not install captioning technology so that deaf or hard of hearing individuals could actually understand the movie shown. The …

Typosquatters, The Tactical Fight Being Waged By Corporations, And Congress' Attempt To Fight Back In The Criminal Arena, David A. Gusewelle

Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment & Technology Law

Part II of this Note presents an overview of domain names as well as a general overview of cybersquatting and trademarks. Part III analyzes some of the measures Congress has taken against cybersquatting and the case law under those measures. Part IV gives a general overview of typosquatters, who constitute a subgroup of cybersquatters. Part V discusses the TDNA and issues that have been addressed through U.S. v. Zuccarini. Part VI asks whether the TDNA is an unconstitutional restriction on free speech. Part VII questions whether criminal liability is appropriate and argues for a higher culpability standard in § 2252(B)(b) …

"Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me:" An In-Depth Look At Opportunistic Business Method Patent Licensing And A Proposed Solution To Allow Small-Defendant Business Method Users To Sing A Happier Tune, 37 J. Marshall L. Rev. 1359 (2004), Andrea Lynn Evensen

UIC Law Review

No abstract provided.

A Dollar Short: The Impact Of The Can-Spam Act Of 2003 On Illinois Businesses, 37 J. Marshall L. Rev. 1289 (2004), Timothy S. O'Brien

UIC Law Review

No abstract provided.

Balancing Individual Privacy Rights And The Rights Of Trademark Owners In Access To The Whois, 38 J. Marshall L. Rev. 357 (2004), Jeffrey Stephen Sobek

UIC Law Review

No abstract provided.

Dow Jones & Co. V. Gutnick: Will Australia's Long Jurisdictional Reach Chill Internet Speech World-Wide?, Nathan W. Garnett

Washington International Law Journal

In December of 2002, the High Court of Australia issued its decision in Dow Jones & Co. v. Gutnick, holding that Dow Jones could be haled into court in Australia for the publication of defamatory material on the Internet. This decision was surprising because the material in question was published in the United States on Dow Jones's New Jersey web servers. This decision makes Australia the only country that allows an action against a foreign defendant based solely on an Internet download in that country. However, the structure of the Gutnick opinion may open the door for other countries …

Whose Music Is It Anyway? How We Came To View Musical Expression As A Form Of Property, Michael W. Carroll

Scholarly Articles in Law Reviews & Journals

Many participants in the music industry consider unauthorized transmissions of music files over the Internet to be theft of their property. Many Internet users who exchange music files reject this characterization. Prompted by the dispute over unauthorized music distribution, this Article explores how those who create and distribute music first came to look upon music as their property and when in Western history the law first supported this view. By analyzing the economic and legal structures governing music making in Western Europe from the classical period in Greece through the Renaissance, the Article shows that the law first granted some …