Crime and the Computer

Computer-related crime is a topic which has attracted great interest in recent years. The book examines in depth the novel issues which arise in criminal law, evidence, jurisdiction and criminology when a computer is selected as the tool or the target for crime. Belatedly, perhaps, it is now accepted that English criminal law must be brought up to date to make adequate provision for the special problems posed by computers. The author examines the international responses to computer-related crime, especially the major legislative changes made in the United States, but the main focus is upon the shortcomings of English law in this area. Detailed coverage is given to recent Law Commission proposals on computer misuse and to the likely effectiveness of the resulting legislation, the Computer Misuse Act 1990. This book should be of interest to lawyers, computing professionals and businesspeople who require a thorough and balanced account of a pervasive problem.