Subjects:

Information Technology Law

Contents:

1. Introduction

2. From Computer Abuse to Cybercrime

3. Committing Crimes: Substantive Offences

4. Addressing the Data Problems: Cyber-forensics and Criminal Procedure

5. International Aspects: Jurisdiction and Harmonization

6. Evidential Issues: Presenting Data

7. Computer Crimes and Digital Investigations

APPENDIXES

Appendix 1 - Computer Misuse Act 1990

Appendix 2 - Council of Europe Cybercrime Convention and Additional Protocol (2001)

Appendix 3 - European Union Framework Decision 2005/222/JHA

Appendix 4 - ACPO Good Practice Guide for Computer Based Electronic Evidence

Computer and network-based crime is a rapidly growing phenomena and problem for individuals, organisations and society as a whole, whether in the form of viruses or the distribution of child pornography. Following September 11th 2001, the horrific terrorism attacks on the London transport system in July 2005, and the threat of further attack through chemical and biological weapons, there is a broad governmental recognition of the vulnerability of society to attacks against critical infrastructure, which includes computer and communications systems. As a consequence, governments have placed computer crime laws high on the political agenda.

This text provides a comprehensive legal analysis of the substantive and procedural rules relating to computer crime, and offers a clear explanation of the relevant technical aspects of computer crime, from types of attacks launched through to forensic techniques. The text places computer crime firmly in its international context, through comparative discussion of laws in other jurisdictions, international harmonisation initiatives, and mechanisms for co-operation between law enforcement bodies in different jurisdictions.

• Provides a comprehensive legal analysis of the substantive and procedural rules relating to computer crime
• Offers a clear explanation of the relevant technical aspects of computer crime
• Combines detailed analysis with extensive case referencing and practical examples
• Places computer crime within its international context, examining international harmonisation initiatives and mechanisms for co-operation between law enforcement bodies