The modern world is becoming increasingly interconnected -- even as information becomes an increasingly valuable (and marketable) resource. Cyberspace is the "place" created by the flow of digital data over the global computer network known as the Internet. This seminar will explore some of the many legal and policy issues arising on what many call the "electronic frontier." Possible topics include: issues related to electronic commerce, including business models, executing online contracts, banking and securities law in Cyberspace, and security, etc.; privacy, anonymity, and pseudonymity on the Internet, including a look at the encryption dilemma; intellectual property protection in a networked digital world; pornography versus free speech on the Internet; problems of jurisdiction and conflict of laws; the future of Internet governance, and the economics of the Internet.

This class will utilize guest speakers for many of the topics presented and will offer students an opportunity to get some "hands on" experience with Internet technologies, with an introduction to web page creation, and several technical demonstrations. For more information, students may wish to check out the class web site at http://www-leland.stanford.edu/class/law449/.

I taught the class in Fall 1995 and Spring 1997. I will teach it again in Fall 1997 and thereafter on an approximately yearly basis, though the class undergoes substantial revision each time.

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This course explores the laws aimed at protecting author's, publisher's, and inventor's rights in order to "promote the progress of science and useful arts" and protect commercial information. Legal topics will include: trade secret law, patent law, trademark, and copyright.

I taught the class in Spring 1997 and will teach it again in Spring 1998.

These are my lecture notes from the Spring 1997 class. (Through May 9.)

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The reading list for the Spring 1997 class.

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The exam given in Spring 1996.

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Economics is now a leading method of legal analysis. This method is based upon a free market conceptual scheme. Its conceptual tools --cost-benefit analysis, profit maximization, efficient resource allocation-- are applied to everything. Politics, the family, the environment, personal injury -- all are conceived of in terms of buying and selling commodities in a free market. Judge Richard Posner has even written an economic analysis of sex. Are there any limits to the market? In theory? In practice? In this course we will examine the premises of economic analysis and consider conflicting views of the proper application and scope of the free market conceptual scheme. As one of our texts we will read Professor Radin's book, Contested Commodities, which advocates a pragmatic philosphical approach to the pros and cons of markets and market rhetoric.

Evaluation will be on the basis of a take-home essay exam. Students will be able to choose from several given topics.

This class will be taught in Spring 1998.

Land Use

Property (Spring 1994, 1995)

Jurisprudence

Antitrust

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Students: contact me if you wish to have a link here.