Curriculum Guide · Courses

Professor Ohm

J.D. Course 080 (cross-listed) | 3 credit hours

This course will explore the legal issues that judges, legislators, prosecutors, and defense attorneys are confronting as they respond to the recent explosion in computer-related crime. In particular, we will consider how crimes in cyberspace will challenge traditional approaches to the investigation, prosecution, and defense of crime that have evolved from our experience with crimes in physical space. Topics will include: the Fourth Amendment in cyberspace, the law of electronic surveillance, computer hacking and other computer crimes, cyberterrorism, the First Amendment in cyberspace, and civil liberties online. Although much of this class involves computer and internet technology, no prior technical background or knowledge is required. Any technology that needs to be understood will be explained in class, and students should not hesitate to ask for other technical explanations.

Prerequisites: Criminal Justice (or the equivalent Democracy and Coercion) or Criminal Procedure.

Students may not receive credit for both this course and Computer Crime Seminar or the graduate course, Global Cybercrime Law.