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Daily Archives: June 23, 2003

Philly’s High-Tech Court

Philadelphia’s High-Tech Courtroom: “Courtroom 625, the pride and joy of the Philadelphia Common Pleas Court, is equipped with everything the savvy trial attorney could need to present a state-of-the-art, multimedia case to a judge and jury. A video presentation system with plasma screen monitors, document cameras, a DVD and a videotape player, computer connections, and a teleconferencing system are just some of the features at your fingertips in the freshly unveiled room.”

Ashcroft Asserts Clarification on Patriot Act

American Libraries Online has an interesting article on AG Ashcroft’s June 19 presentation at the Aspen Institute Journalism and Homeland Security conference. Ashcroft is quoted as stating the following: “The Patriot Act simply does not allow federal law enforcement free or unfettered access to local libraries, bookstores, or other businesses…We need the help of the… Continue Reading

Public Interest Registry to Manage Dot-Org

“Public Interest Registry (PIR) is a not-for-profit corporation created to manage the .ORG registry. PIR looks forward to serving the .ORG community by providing superior technology; new services designed for noncommercial registrants; and responsive, responsible stewardship. PIR has established its new .ORG Advisory Council. The council will focus on .ORG policy, outreach, and service issues.” Continue Reading

Supreme Court Backs Net Filters For Libraries

In a 6 to 3 decision (56 pages, pdf) released today in United States v. American Library Association (02-361), the Supreme Court ruled that the Children’s Internet Protection Act does not violate the First Amendment, and Congress can thereby require the use of Internet filters by public libraries receiving federal funds. See also: My related… Continue Reading

New Legislation on Criminalizing P2P File Transfer of Copyrighted Works

H.R. 2517 (introduced June 19 by Rep. Lamar Smith), the Piracy Deterrence and Education Act of 2003, to enhance criminal enforcement of the copyright laws, educate the public about the application of copyright law to the Internet, and clarify the authority to seize unauthorized copyrighted works. In the bill language is the following statement: Trafficking… Continue Reading