Law, Dissonance and Remote Computer Searches

14 University of North Carolina J.O.L.T. __ (2012), Forthcoming

36 Pages Posted: 2 Dec 2012

See all articles by Susan W. Brenner

Susan W. Brenner

University of Dayton - School of Law

Date Written: December 1, 2012

Abstract

This article examines the conflict – the dissonance – that arises when law enforcement officers from one jurisdiction remotely search a computer that is physically located in another jurisdiction. It reviews the current status of remote computer searches in Europe, noting that such searches are legal under United Kingdom law but are, for most purposes, outlawed by German law.

The article then explains that because U.S. state supreme courts have used their constitutions to impose search and seizure requirements that exceed those of the Fourth Amendment, similar dissonance has arisen between U.S. states. It uses this domestic dissonance to analyze the issues transnational searches are likely to create and to consider how those issues might be resolved.

Keywords: cybercrime, Fourth Amendment, remote computer searches, law enforcement

JEL Classification: K14, K33, K42

Suggested Citation

Brenner, Susan W., Law, Dissonance and Remote Computer Searches (December 1, 2012). 14 University of North Carolina J.O.L.T. __ (2012), Forthcoming, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2183664

Susan W. Brenner (Contact Author)

University of Dayton - School of Law ( email )

300 College Park
Dayton, OH 45469
United States
937-229-2929 (Phone)
937-229-2469 (Fax)

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