LL204: Cyberlaw

This course covers a selection of topics in the field of Information Technology and the Law (or Cyberlaw).

It will begin by considering the debate about the nature of the influence of information technology upon the development of new legal doctrine, moving on to consider both how the law has responded to the challenges of information technologies, and the extent to which legal issues have shaped the development of information society policy. This will encompass topics such as data protection, computer misuse and computer evidence, copyright and digital rights management, criminal content liability and defamation.

The focus will be initially on English law, although the increasingly global nature of IT law means that there are already strong EU and US legal influences upon the English system, so comparative aspects will be introduced in places, and readings will include materials drawn from, amongst others, US law journals.

This course does not require an in-depth understanding of contemporary computer technology – we are primarily interested in the implications of the use of information technology, and the intended and unintended consequences of regulating that use.

Prerequisites: An introductory law course. This course does not require an in-depth understanding of information technology.

Level: 200 level. Read more information on levels in our FAQs

Fees: Please see Fees and payments

Lectures: 36 hours

Classes: 18 hours

Assessment: One examination and one essay

Typical credit: 3-4 credits (US) 7.5 ECTS points (EU)

Please note: Assessment is optional but may be required for credit by your home institution. Your home institution will be able to advise how you can meet their credit requirements. For more information on exams and credit, read Teaching and assessment

This course is suited to those who are interested in the implications of the use of information technology, and the intended and unintended consequences of regulating that use. This course would be particularly useful to those considering a career in the field of Information Technology Law, including data protection, digital rights, and cyber security.

• Critically evaluate ongoing developments in law relating to information technologies
• Display an understanding of how these developments relate to one another
• Examine areas of doctrinal and political debate surrounding rules and theories
• Evaluate those rules and theories in terms of internal coherence and practical outcomes
• Draw on the analysis and evaluation contained in primary and secondary sources

The design of this course is guided by LSE faculty, as well as industry experts, who will share their experience and in-depth knowledge with you throughout the course.