Winter 2012 Class Descriptions

As of 5/22/2013 4:33:33 AM

Computer Crimes

This course will examine the intersection of law enforcement and technology. In the first half of the semester, we will look at the various rules that govern law enforcement actions, such as the use of cell phone data to track suspects, or the practice of indiscriminately copying and searching entire hard drives at border crossings and airports. We will focus in particular on how courts have framed these issues, and what those responses might suggest for future technological change. We will also examine different constraints on governmental action, including the Fourth Amendment, the Electronic Communications Privacy Act ("ECPA"), the Stored Communications Act, and the Wiretap Act. In the second half of the semester, we will examine how the internet has spawned new forms of criminal conduct, and how both Congress and law enforcement have responded to that conduct. We will look at several of the laws specifically addressing criminal acts committed using computers, as well as the adaptation of older laws to apply to this newer arena.