730-306 Internet Law

Principles of Public Law; Legal Theory: Obligations; Contracts or in each case their equivalents.

The purpose of this subject will be first, to introduce students to the theoretical literature which has considered regulation of the Internet and interactions/transactions occurring over the Internet and other networked technologies. Second, the subject considers 'internet governance' and will enable students to develop some familiarity with the various entities in both the domestic and international spheres which are involved in regulation of the technology of the Internet, and transactions occurring over the medium. Third, the subject will consider a number of specialist areas of law applying to the Internet, or where the development of the Internet has caused a change in legal principles. Topics include theoretical approaches to the Internet; the domain name system, ICANN and UDRP; select issues in E-commerce; privacy and intellectual property. The subject has a comparative focus, with students expected to engage in comparison between Australian approaches to regulation and approaches adopted in other important jurisdictions, in particular the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union.

Students must attend at least 75% of seminars (hurdle requirement). Students will be required to participate in the online discussion board with at least one substantive post (on the topic chosen for their reflective essay) and one post in reply (hurdle requirement).

Reflective essay or hypothetical 1500 words 20% (due date will depend on the topic chosen) and a research essay 5000 words 80% (due first day of the exam period) OR final open-book examination two hours 80%.

Printed materials will be issued by the Faculty of Law.