Science and Technology Law Commons^™

It's Not Just Hair: Historical And Cultural Considerations For An Emerging Technology, Deborah Pergament

Chicago-Kent Law Review

History reflects the social, religious and political importance of human hair. Individuals have used hairstyles to flaunt social conventions about gender, race, sexual identity, and social status. Totalitarian governments have regulated hairstyles as a means of social control and dehumanization. Today, advances in technology now make it possible to discover information about an individual's current or potential health status. Judicial decisions and administrative regulations offer individuals limited protection from state or institutional intrusion into the information revealed by genetic hair analysis. This Article argues that the explosion of technologies that use hair to reveal intimate details of an individual's biological …

Jury Trial Techniques In Complex Civil Litigation, Ronald S. Longhofer

University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform

Ronald Longhofer, an experienced litigator, discusses the challenges inherent in trying a complex civil case to a jury. He explores aspects of complex litigation that often impede jurors from effectively hearing such cases. In conclusion, he suggests litigation techniques which have proved successful in overcoming such obstacles and effectively translating complex evidence to jurors.

Zoning Speech On The Internet: A Legal And Technical Model, Lawrence Lessig, Paul Resnick

Michigan Law Review

Speech, it is said, divides into three sorts - (1) speech that everyone has a right to (political speech, speech about public affairs); (2) speech that no one has a right to (obscene speech, child porn); and (3) speech that some have a right to but others do not (in the United States, Ginsberg speech, or speech that is "harmful to minors," to which adults have a right but kids do not). Speech-protective regimes, on this view, are those where category (1) speech predominates; speech-repressive regimes are those where categories (2) and (3) prevail. This divide has meaning for speech …

Is The Clean Air Act Unconstitutional?, Cass R. Sunstein

Michigan Law Review

This Article deals with two linked questions. The first involves the future of the Clean Air Act. The particular concern is how the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") might be encouraged, with help from reviewing courts, to issue better ambient air quality standards, and in the process to shift from some of the anachronisms of 1970s environmentalism to a more fruitful approach to environmental protection. The second question involves the role of the nondelegation doctrine in American public law, a doctrine that shows unmistakable signs of revival. I will suggest that improved performance by EPA and agencies in general, operating in …

Useful Arts In The Information Age, Alan L. Durham

BYU Law Review

No abstract provided.

Neither Science Nor Shamans: Globalization Of Markets And Health In The Developing World, David Fidler

Indiana Journal of Global Legal Studies

No abstract provided.

Spirits In A Material World: Intelligent Agents As Intermediaries In Electronic Commerce, Ian R. Kerr

Dalhousie Law Journal

The article provides an in-depth analysis of the contract issues peculiar to automated electronic commerce. The aim of the study is to provide a critical evaluation of the various solutions that might be adopted by a legislature seeking to cure formal defects in agreements that are negotiated and entered into by software programs, independent of human review. The author begins with an examination of the current state of the technology that automates electronic commerce, offering some speculation as to its future development. He then outlines the barriers to automated electronic commerce inherent in traditional contract doctrine. He argues against the …

Waiting For Technology: Path Dependence As A Random Walk, James Bessen

Faculty Scholarship

The role of historical accident in technology selection has been difficult to measure. This paper develops a quantifiable model for a basic and widely applicable form of path dependence: the random walk. This real options model is applied to the transition in British cotton spinning at the beginning of the century.

In contrast to neoclassical models based on simple net present value calculations, when investment is irreversible, firms may choose to wait rather than to invest in a superior new technology. The magnitude and effect of this option to wait can be calculated. British spinning firms waited significantly before adopting …

Echoes Of Scientific Truth In The Halls Of Justice: The Standards Of Review Applied By The United States Court Of Appeals For The Federal Circuit In Patent-Related Matters , Lawrence M. Sung

American University Law Review

No abstract provided.

A Ray Of Light For Judges Blinded By Science: Triers Of Science And Intellectual Due Process, Erica Beecher-Monas

Law Faculty Research Publications

No abstract provided.

The Law And The Brain: Judging Scientific Evidence Of Intent, Erica Beecher-Monas, Edgar Garcia-Rill

The Journal of Appellate Practice and Process

This essay addresses the issue of judges deciding what scientific evidence is admissible. The primary focus is the admissibility of expert mental state testimony in criminal cases. The issue is addressed by answering two questions: 1) how does science work and 2) how does the brain work?

Antitrust Enfocement And High-Technology Markets, William J. Baer, David A. Balto

Michigan Telecommunications & Technology Law Review

Although the antitrust laws apply to all industries, the application must be tempered in each case by the myriad ways in which competition can be modified by structural, behavioral, technological, regulatory, and other characteristics. The Commission applies the antitrust laws with sensitivity to the special characteristics of high-tech industries and of intellectual property, but also with the recognition that--as in other industries--competition plays an important role in spurring innovation and in spreading the benefits of that innovation to consumers. This focus is not new. This balanced approach has roots that go back at least to the 1977 Antitrust Guide to …

Constitutional Fact And Theory: A Response To Chief Judge Posner, Deborah Jones Merritt

Michigan Law Review

In his James Madison Lecture on Constitutional Law, Chief Judge Richard Posner chides both professors and judges for devoting too much attention to constitutional theory and too little time to empiricism. Although I agree with Judge Posner's endorsement of empiricism, I dispute the roles he assigns empiricism and theory. Social science matters when interpreting the Constitution, but not in the way Posner posits. Facts cannot replace constitutional theories, nor can they mechanically resolve questions posed by theory. Instead, empirical knowledge is most useful in unmasking the theoretical assumptions that undergird constitutional law, in focusing those theories, and in contributing to …

Publishers' Rights And Wrongs In The Cyberage, Thomas G. Field Jr.

Law Faculty Scholarship

The author argues in favor of a continued role for traditional publishing in the context of the rise of the Internet.

Computer Software: Patentable Subject Matter Jurisprudence Comes Of Age, 18 J. Marshall J. Computer & Info. L. 113 (1999), Indira Saladi

UIC John Marshall Journal of Information Technology & Privacy Law

The Federal Circuit's ruling in State Street Bank Trust Co. v. Signature Financial Group, Inc. represented a paradigm shift in subject matter jurisprudence. Historically, software has been unpatentable because it included a mathematical algorithm, could not pass the physicality test, and was subject to the business methods exception. The State Street ruling expanded the scope of patentable subject matters by focusing on other aspects of patentability such as novelty, nonobviousness, and utility. State Street refreshingly modernizes patent law for improved application to today's evolving high technology industries. In "Computer Software: Patentable Subject Matter Jurisprudence Comes of Age," the author examines …

Electronic Document Certification: A Primer On The Technology Behind Digital Signatures, 17 J. Marshall J. Computer & Info. L. 769 (1999), David L. Gripman

UIC John Marshall Journal of Information Technology & Privacy Law

This comment will discuss the technology behind electronic document certification: digital signatures which enable parties to sign their names electronically to documents over the Internet. Part II of this comment will begin by discussing the traditional role of the notary in business transactions. Part II will also introduce encryption technology, digital signature technology, and how a CA can provide extremely reliable electronic document certification using such technologies. Part III will discuss the applications where this technology is being used today, albeit sparingly. Part III further discusses an application currently in development that will use digital signature technology in the future …

The Role Of Patent Law In Poland's Transitioning Science And Technology Policy, And A Comparison With The Patent Laws Of The United States, 17 J. Marshall J. Computer & Info. L. 381 (1999), Edward H. Sikorski

UIC John Marshall Journal of Information Technology & Privacy Law

Poland is at a critical point in determining whether it will provide the type of intellectual property protection afforded in other countries. Based on its current programs, Poland clearly recognizes that it must improve its infrastructure. It is imperative for Poland to institute and develop new science and technology policies. As a result, Poland must pay attention to issues like privatization and intellectual property because newly privatized companies will lean on patents and other rights as footholds against their competitors. Poland must also address issues concerning physical access and communications and electronic access to the country. Poland's overall science and …

How Can Whelan V. Jaslow And Lotus V. Borland Both Be Right? Reexamining The Economics Of Computer Software Reuse, 17 J. Marshall J. Computer & Info. L. 511 (1999), Michael Risch

UIC John Marshall Journal of Information Technology & Privacy Law

The various circuit courts of appeal have been unable to agree on the appropriate method of determining when one computer program infringes the copyright in another computer program. This article traces the differences among the circuits, proposes a model to explain what courts are doing, asserts a set of factors that simplify the analysis of determining copyright infringement, and tests those factors against seemingly irreconcilable cases. Finally, the article applies the analysis to unresolved computer software issues of today in order to predict likely outcomes.

Computers And The Discovery Of Evidence - A New Dimension To Civil Procedure, 17 J. Marshall J. Computer & Info. L. 411 (1999), Mark D. Robins

UIC John Marshall Journal of Information Technology & Privacy Law

Attorneys are largely unaware of the types of evidence available through computer related sources. Lawyers and courts face similar obstacles in exploring the electronic frontier. The legal community is confronting the dispute between a liberal policy of open access to relevant information and the burdens of computer-related discovery of sensitive, confidential and privileged material. Computers are used to generate, process and store vast amounts of useful information-related evidence. Computers also create discovery hazards when they store damaging information, trade secrets and other proprietary or confidential data. Another discovery problem arises because of the lack of uniformity of spoliation laws over …

Issued Patents And The Standard Of Proof: Evidence Clear And Convincing Or Merely Ponderous, 17 J. Marshall J. Computer & Info. L. 557 (1999), David W. Okey

UIC John Marshall Journal of Information Technology & Privacy Law

Patent cases use a "preponderance of the evidence" standard of proof, unless the validity of a patent is in question, in which case the standard is "clear and convincing evidence." The comment examines the meaning of the standards in their application to United States patent practice. After giving examples with interference and infringement cases, the comment argues that the vast majority of cases are decided on evidence not presented to the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) during prosecution of the patent. The assumption that a patent is valid is based on the thorough examination it receives prior to its allowance …

Congress Must Learn To Surf The Internet If It Ever Wants To Catch The Next Wave Of Securities Fraud, 17 J. Marshall J. Computer & Info. L. 589 (1999), Ted A. Smith

UIC John Marshall Journal of Information Technology & Privacy Law

Despite the popularity in the area of securities trading and all of the new challenges the Internet brings to the area of securities fraud, Congress has not chosen to react with new legislation. Instead, Congress has chosen to remedy the problems through the use of existing laws that were written over fifty years ago. This decision by Congress is at odds with other decisions it has made with respect to other areas of law that have been impacted by the Internet. Congress reacted to the effects of the Internet on gambling with proposed legislation aimed specifically at problems the Internet …

Cd-Rom Briefs: Must Today's High Tech Lawyers Wait Until The Playing Field Is Level?, 17 J. Marshall J. Computer & Info. L. 615 (1999), Joanne M. Snow

UIC John Marshall Journal of Information Technology & Privacy Law

The CD-ROM has infiltrated every part of the legal profession, from research and learning aids to information storage. The newest technological advancement to enter the profession is the CD-ROM brief. In 1997, the first three CD-ROM briefs were filed with the federal judiciary, and the courts seem more than eager to continue their use. As with all new things, there are critics. Those opposed to CD-ROM briefs believe that they will adversely affect the standard of review, efficiency and finality of decisions in the trial and appellate courts and prejudice the less affluent. These concerns, however, are unfounded. The appellate …

1998 John Marshall National Moot Court Competition In Information Technology And Privacy Law: Bench Memorandum, 17 J. Marshall J. Computer & Info. L. 643 (1999), George B. Trubow, Mark Herrick, Laura Mcfarland-Taylor

UIC John Marshall Journal of Information Technology & Privacy Law

In this moot court competition bench memo, the Supreme Court the state of Marshall has to decide whether the monitoring and recording of a voice mail message in the work environment constitutes a violation of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act ("ECPA") or an invasion of privacy. Plaintiff's brother is an employee of a for-profit corporation that provides a digital telephone system that allows employee use features such as voice mail. Employees can access their voice mail both at their desks or other location within the company. The company, however, implements a policy of random phone conversation monitoring to avoid abuse …

1998 John Marshall National Moot Court Competition In Information Technology And Privacy Law: Brief For The Petitioner, 17 J. Marshall J. Computer & Info. L. 661 (1999), Donna Coury, Rebecca F. Kelley, Mark A. Miller

UIC John Marshall Journal of Information Technology & Privacy Law

No abstract provided.

1998 John Marshall National Moot Court Competition In Information Technology And Privacy Law: Brief For The Respondent, 17 J. Marshall J. Computer & Info. L. 689 (1999), Jennifer Byram, Jacqueline Gray, Ian Wallach

UIC John Marshall Journal of Information Technology & Privacy Law

No abstract provided.

Foreword: Digital Signature And Electronic Document Verification, 17 J. Marshall J. Computer & Info. L. 721 (1999), Robert G. Johnston

UIC John Marshall Journal of Information Technology & Privacy Law

No abstract provided.

Moving With Change: Electronic Signature Legislation As A Vehicle For Advancing E-Commerce, 17 J. Marshall J. Computer & Info. L. 723 (1999), Thomas J. Smedinghoff, Ruth Hill Bro

UIC John Marshall Journal of Information Technology & Privacy Law

The value of U.S. based electronic commerce (e-commerce) transactions was estimated to be $43 billion in 1998 and is projected to grow to $1.3 trillion by 2003, totaling over nine percent of total U.S. business sales. Governments have embraced e-commerce as a positive development that should be encouraged. Many of our states and foreign countries have responded by enacting legislation regarding the enforceability of e-commerce transactions. There are three fundamental issues surrounding online commerce. These issues are: 1) whether the transaction is legal; 2) whether the message can be trusted; and 3) what are the rules of conduct. Concerning the …

Book Versus Byte: The Prospects And Desirability Of A Paperless Society, 17 J. Marshall J. Computer & Info. L. 797 (1999), Charles N. Faerber

UIC John Marshall Journal of Information Technology & Privacy Law

There is an ominous traffic sign on the electronic superhighway to that much- ballyhooed paperless society. It reads: "Road Under Construction--Completion Date Unknown." To be sure, the vaunted superhighway does extend, perfectly paved, for a good distance, as anyone who has ever made a paperless purchase on the Internet will attest, but the highway engineers have so far been stymied from reaching their digital Valhalla by practical hurdles. And there is another hitch: many travelers do not want to get on the superhighway no matter how far it extends. They prefer unpaved horse-and-buggy thoroughfares that are slower but seem to …

Document Authentication In Electronic Commerce: The Misleading Notary Public Analog For The Digital Signature Certification Authority, 17 J. Marshall J. Computer & Info. L. 833 (1999), John C. Anderson, Michael L. Closen

UIC John Marshall Journal of Information Technology & Privacy Law

This essay addresses the use of digital signature technology and the certification authority, and poses the fundamental question of whether the traditional notary public should really serve as the model for the new position of certification authority. This paper begins with an historical review of the concern about document security and the measures taken to deal with those concerns. Second, the paper includes a very brief overview of the technological aspects of the digital signature and its value in the global marketplace. Next, this essay examines the similarities between the traditional notary and the certification authority, including the functions and …

The Utah Digital Signature Act As "Model" Legislation: A Critical Analysis, 17 J. Marshall J. Computer & Info. L. 873 (1999), R. Jason Richards

UIC John Marshall Journal of Information Technology & Privacy Law

With the current reliance on virtual transactions, the actual source and the authenticity of electronic transmissions must be determined. In realizing this need, Utah was the first state to pass legislation regarding the verification of electronic communications. In 1995, the legislature passed the Utah Digital Signature Act (the "Utah Act"), which mandates the creation of certification authorities - cybernotaries. In addition, the Division of Corporation and Commercial Code would administer rules to facilitate the implementation of the Utah Act. Since the codification of the Utah Act, over 35 states and jurisdictions implemented some form of digital or electronic signature legislation, …