Experts Say MySpace Suicide Indictment Sets 'Scary' Legal Precedent

In their eagerness to visit justice on a 49-year-old woman involved in the Megan Meier MySpace suicide tragedy, federal prosecutors in Los Angeles are resorting to a novel and dangerous interpretation of a decades-old computer crime law -- potentially making a felon out of anybody who violates the terms of service of any website, experts say. Full Story »

Posted by Kaizar Campwala
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Posted by: Posted by Kaizar Campwala - May 19, 2008 - 7:33 AM PDT
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Edited by: Kaizar Campwala - May 19, 2008 - 7:36 AM PDT

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Fabrice Florin
3.8
by Fabrice Florin - Oct. 1, 2008

Insightful report about the lastest development in the MySpace 'cyberbullying' incident that led to the suicide of a teenage girl. Since there is no law against 'cyberbullying', federal prosecutors are invoking a terms of service violation in their case against Lori Drew, the 'cyberbully' that's allegedly responsible for this suicide. This article raises some important points about the legitimacy of using terms of service violations to prosecute crimes like these. It is well researched, quotes multiple sources with independent viewpoints and offers useful context for better understanding this complex issue.

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Dwight Rousu
2.9
by Dwight Rousu - Oct. 1, 2008

If it bleeds, it leads. The article helps direct some attention to poor use of the law to cover the lack of a law against encouraging suicide. Unless this became common, it does not seem like a major issue.

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Kaizar Campwala
4.5
by Kaizar Campwala - Oct. 1, 2008
See Full Review » (1 answer)
Josh Constine
3.9
by Josh Constine - Oct. 1, 2008

An extremely fair account of the dangers of setting precedent when updating law to cover the digital age. The article examines both sides, and contains enough background for those unfamiliar with the story. A statement from the plaintiff would have helped, but overall filled with good analysis.

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3.9

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from 9 reviews (50% confidence)
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3.8
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3.3
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3.5
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3.7
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3.9
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