Computer Crimes

• Semester: Spring 2023
• Course ID: 396W
• Credit Hours: 3
• Unique: 29480

Description

Many of the laws that govern criminal activity on the internet were written long before the internet developed into the complex ecosystem we see today. This gap creates challenges for law enforcement attempts to prohibit, investigate, and prosecute cyber crimes. At times, the laws are outdated and frustrate attempts to hold bad actors accountable. Other times, the laws are interpreted in ways that have unintended effects when applied to novel circumstances and emerging technologies. We will study these challenges and understand how courts and legislators are responding to them. The course will cover the law of computer hacking, Internet threats and harassment, criminal data theft, Internet gambling, encryption, online undercover operations and entrapment, the Fourth Amendment online, the law of executing search warrants for digital evidence, CSAM offenses, applying the Wiretap Act to the Internet, the Stored Communications Act, the Cloud Act, the role of federalism in the investigation of digital crimes, and international cooperation in the enforcement of computer crime laws around the world.

No background technological knowledge or experience required. The course does not have any prerequisites.