Purposeful Availment: Personal Jurisdiction in the Internet Context
Courts are increasingly returning to the Calder test for Internet defamation cases.
Technology
Foreign Sovereign Immunity: A Shield for International Cybercrime Aimed At Economic Gain
Foreign sovereignties can currently commit acts of espionage against the United States without penalty by the federal government; however, a new bill seeking to amend the law will allow new sanctions against foreign hacker groups.
Computer Glitch Causes Mistaken Early Release of More Than 3,000 Inmates
The Department of Corrections (DOC) in Washington State has come under fire after a computer glitch in its system led to the early release of more than 3,000 inmates in the state since 2002. The Department has been aware of the glitch since 2012.
European Court Gives Virtual Currency a Boost: How Will This Affect the IRS?
The European Union has decided not to apply a value-added tax to the exchange of virtual currencies. Will this ruling affect how the IRS treats virtual currencies?
DOJ Makes Revisions to Cell-Site Simulator Policy and Broadens Warrant Requirements for Cell Phone Surveillance: What Does This Change Mean to You?
The United States Department of Justice’s announces that it will begin requiring federal agents to obtain a warrant before using cell-site simulator.
Jawbone Initiates Three Legal Actions Against Fitbit Alleging Fitbit Stole Jawbone’s Employees, Information, and Patented Ideas
Jawbone sues Fitbit claiming Fitbit stole highly confidential information from Jawbone when it “poached” Jawbone’s former employees and encouraged them to take information with them, and that there is a violation of the patents Jawbone has on activity and fitness bands resulting in a call for cease-and-desist and injunction in production of Fitbit trackers.
Digital revolution in the classroom—What protections are there for student privacy?
Two congressmen are proposing a bill to place limits on how education technology companies can use information about students.
Online posts lead to real-life arrests
Social media users may be arrested for making threatening posts.
Using Medical Science to Reform the Heat of Passion Defense
A defendant’s unique brain structure and circumstances should be examined before arguing for the application of the “heat of passion” defense to homicide.
Can a post on your wall lead to walking papers?
Employees working for private companies have limited options for pursuing their employers over Facebook-related firings.
Hey driver, do you even work here?
In an ongoing class action lawsuit, Uber drivers challenge the line between employee and independent contractor.
Teeth Whitening Case a Win for Non-Dentists
The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed a Fourth Circuit case allowing business owners to offer teeth whitening services without a dentistry license.
House of Commons Approves Exception to Ban on Human Genetic Modification
If the House of Lords votes in favor of the law, the UK will be the first country to allow the creation of a “three-parent baby.”
Trolling the Deep: Emerging International Concerns on the Deep Web
Beyond Twitter updates and funny baby pictures lurks a deeper, darker Internet.
Filming “camera-shy” cops—crime or constitutional right?
State laws seeking to prevent bystanders from filming police officers may infringe upon citizens’ First Amendment rights.