The course looks at the intersection of Information Technology with law. Five broad subject areas have been identified within which this intersection is explored: from the impact of digital content, through the challenges and opportunities of a vastly more interconnected, perhaps "borderless" society.

The 5 areas of study are:

• information technology and intellectual property
• censorship
• privacy
• computer crime and evidence
• e-commerce and IT contracts.

An important component of the course is the cultivation of an understanding of the technology underlying information technology.

At the conclusion of this course students should be able to understand the legal problems and opportunities presented in the area of Information Technology and to effectively assess legislation and case law in the area.

The proposed means of assessment for this course will provide students with the option of undertaking at least two pieces of assessment, usually an essay mid-semester and a final examination. More information about the means of assessment, including the relationship between the assessment and the learning outcomes of the course, will be available on the course home page by the first week of semester.

The course consists of weekly 2 hour lecture. Every second week there will also be a one hour research skills tutorial.  Students are generally expected to devote approximately 10 hours overall per week to this course.

General computer literacy and a willingness to learn about new technology is helpful for this course.

Completed or completing five LAWS courses at 1000 level.

A prior understanding of Intellectual Property and Contracts is helpful for some topics covered in this course.  

Information about prescribed texts will be made available in the course outline.  See the course home page.

A reading guide will be available on the course web page.

Students will need internet access for portions of this course.