Course Resources Archive

The use of computers and the Internet is characterised by the ease and speed with which data can be processed and communicated. Whilst generally beneficial, these characteristics have created new legal problems e.g. computer hacking, pornography & unsolicited commercial emails. In addition the demands of the business community to exploit the Internet have created challenges to the existing regulatory frameworks.
This module aims to consider the ways the law has responded to these difficulties. This will involve a study of computer crime, regulation of the internet and other legal issues relating to electronic commerce.
Important note: Students do not have to be computer scientists to undertake this module but should have a working knowledge of computers and the internet.

1. Introduction to Information Technology Law
2. Computer Misuse
3. Civil Liabilities
4. e-Commerce
5. Regulation of the Internet

i. Knowledge and Understanding
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
A] demonstrate comprehensive and accurate knowledge and understanding of those areas of information technology law identified in the content summary.
B] demonstrate a sound knowledge and critical understanding of social and economic policy considerations arising in this area e.g. in relation to online selling and buying.

ii. Skills 
By the end of the module, students should have developed skills in:
A] Application and problem solving: Able to apply the legal principles studied to a range of problems of significant legal complexity in relation to IT Law, and where appropriate generate alternative solutions to the problem.
B] Sources and research:  Able to define issues of research, identify sources and establish a strategy for research.
C] Analysis, evaluation, critical judgement and synthesis:  Able to analyse problems in relation to the use of information technology, of significant legal complexity, so as to identify the legal principles to be applied in order to generate solutions.  Able to evaluate the merits of alternative solutions to the same problem, including non-legal methods of redress.  Able to form a reasoned critical judgment on areas of difficulty and uncertainty in IT Law.
D] Autonomy and ability to learn:  Able to demonstrate a capacity for self-directed study.
E] Communication and literacy:  Able to write complex prose accurately and fluently, and to speak clearly and fluently when communicating complex ideas.  Able to use legal terminology accurately.
F] Other key skills:  
IT - able to use electronic sources for research and present an accurately word-processed text.
Team working – able to work in a group as a participant who contributes effectively to the group’s tasks.

Staff / student contact: 25%
Student directed learning: 75%

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.