Lex 8256: The Law in Cyberspace Seminar

What power do states have over outsiders' Internet activities?

It is important that you remember what the commerce clause is and what it does. If you need to review the "dormant" commerce clause and how it limits state power, please read http://supreme.lp.findlaw.com/constitution/article01/32.html.

In order to make for a more lively discussion, please read Ferguson v. Friendfinders, Inc., 94 Cal. App. 4th 1255 (Cal. App. 2002), rev. denied, 2002 Cal. LEXIS 2378: http://news.findlaw.com/hdocs/docs/cyberlaw/frgsnfrndfdrs10202opn.pdf It is an easy to read discussion of the commerce clause directly butting heads with state statutes.

Also, please read http://www.webtechniques.com/archives/2002/01/legal/, and the ICANN response, http://www.icann.org/announcements/advisory-12oct01.htm.

Applicable to the state of Michigan: Cyberspace Communications v. Engler, 55 F. Supp. 2d 737 (E.D. Mich. 1999), aff'd, 238 F.3d 420 (6th Cir. 2000), further proceedings, 142 F.Supp. 2d 827 (E.D. Mich. 2001): http://www.cyberspace.org/lawsuit/injunction.html

For further reading, on an international scale: http://www.webofculture.com/updates/global_update_sept_2002.asp