Computer Law

Recommended Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Teaching Methods

Question-raising method chiefly based on real life situations and on finding the legal solutions on the basis of the legislation, case law, and the required readings. The goal of building strategic learning based on case-solving investigation is to enable Students to discuss the rationale behind the rules in force, how they might be improved and proposals to address loop holes. Where appropriate, lectures will also be held.

Learning Outcomes

Students are expected to be able to

- use computer law and e-justice tools;

- critically reflect about e-justice and automated decisions;

- understand the meaning and the limits of Cyber Law regulation;

- master the legal protection of computer programs and databases as well as the copyright protection in the Internet;

- compare the rules governing domain names with the protection of trade marks;

- identify measures to build confidence in e-commerce (among consumers in particular);

- acquire the rules governing protection of personal data and privacy in electronic communications;

- understand Cloud Computing.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

I - Computer Law: general issues

1. Computer Law and Legal Data Processing: from computerization of appeals and court proceedings to automated decisions?

2. Cyber Law Regulation

II. Computer Law: special issues

1. Computer programs, databases and copyright protection in the Internet

2. Domain names, interactive advertising, and protection of trade marks in the digital market

3. Safety, confidence and consumer protection in e-commerce

4. Personal data protection and privacy in e-communications

5. Cloud Computing 

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Research work: 100.0%

Bibliography

MARQUES, Garcia & MARTINS, Lourenço (2006) Direito da Informática, 2ª ed., Coimbra, Almedina; PEREIRA, Alexandre Dias (2008) ‘Lex informatica, ius ex machina e justiça artificial’, Estudos Castanheira Neves I, pp. 817-886; Id. (2012) ‘Direito ciberespacial: «soft law» ou «hard law»?’ Estudos Gomes Canotilho III, pp. 685-710; LESSIG, L (1999) Code and other laws of cyberspace, Basic Books: New York; BOYLE, James (1996) Shamans, Software & Spleens: Law and the Construction of the Information Society, HUP: Cambridge; PEREIRA, Alexandre L. Dias (2008) Direitos de Autor e Liberdade de Informação, Almedina; (2014) ‘Nomes de Domínio .PT’, RABPI 129; (1999) Comércio electrónico na sociedade da informação: da segurança técnica à confiança jurídica, Almedina. AA.VV. Direito da Sociedade da Informação, Coimbra Editora (vários volumes); Catarina Castro (2005), Direito da informática, privacidade e dados pessoais, Almedina.