2022/23 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

LAW5334M Cyberlaw: Regulation of Cyberspace

15 creditsClass Size: 60

Module manager: Dr Subhajit Basu
Email: S.Basu@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2022/23

Module replaces

LAW5333M Cyberlaw: Law and the Regulation of the Information Society

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

The internet and networked technologies have changed the nature of our world as we experience it. So much so, that we are becoming an 'information society' in which the creation, manipulation distribution and exchange of information in its various forms has become a significant social, economic, political, cultural and legal activity. This module aims to address all policy and regulatory issues raised by the internet and technology applications enabled by the internet. The borderless nature of the internet and the possibility to transmit information quickly on a global basis has raised difficult questions of state jurisdiction and regulation which this module will explore in depth.

Objectives

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the legal challenges that arise from the population of cyberspace. Upon completion of the course it is anticipated that students should be able to:
- understand the concept of technology, and its application in modern life in the shape of the Information Society;
- understand the necessity for law to adopt new strategies and perspectives in order to approach the legal implications of developments in cyberspace;
- appreciate the impact on regulation of the development of the information revolution and cyberspace and the role of the traditional concepts of public and private law, national and international law and state law and self-regulation;
- demonstrate an ability to evaluate and rank unfamiliar arguments in the light of established statute law, judicial decisions and authoritative legal commentary;
- encourage critical study of the law in context, and to develop analytical skills.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module the students will be expected to have a thorough understanding of the legal and policy issues which are intimately connected with the regulation of information society.

Skills outcomes
- Draw on skills developed in the retrieval, collation, and presentation of information (communication)
- Draw on analytical skills developed in the comparative understanding of concepts (problem solving)
- Critically read and comparatively evaluate literature (learning to learn)

Syllabus

Cyberlaw is found at the cutting edge of the law, where the ability of the law to achieve its goals is challenged. Thus, the “law” in Cyberlaw tends to take not only the law that applies to the Internet but also the broader range of regulatory responses and strategies of governance that subsequently arise. It is as much about the “law in action” as the “law in books”. The module will provide students with an in-depth look at some of the existing and emerging legal issues in Cyberspace. It will begin by considering the debate about the nature of the influence of information technology on the development of “new” legal doctrine through topics such as (but not limited to) – privacy, data protection, freedom of expression, surveillance, disinformation, cybercrime, cyber harassment, cyber pornography, cyberwar. Students will have an opportunity to consider how the current issues challenge Cyberspace Law and analyse its responses and proposed responses.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	11	1.00	11.00
Seminar	5	1.50	7.50
Private study hours			131.50
Total Contact hours			18.50
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

The module will be assessed through 1 x 4,000 word essay.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	1 x 4,000 words	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 21/09/2022

Disclaimer

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