Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Fall 2008

Publication Source

Vanderbilt Journal of Technology and Entertainment Law

Abstract

This article analyzes activity in virtual worlds that would constitute crime if they were committed in the real world. It reviews the evolution of virtual worlds like Second Life and notes research which indicates that more and more of our lives will move into this realm. The article then analyzes the criminalization of virtual conduct that inflicts “harm” in the real world and virtual conduct that only inflicts “harm” in the virtual world. It explains that the first category qualifies as cybercrime and can be prosecuted under existing law. Finally, it analyzes the necessity and propriety of criminalizing the second category of conduct, both now and in the future.

Inclusive pages

1-97

ISBN/ISSN

1942-678X

Document Version

Published Version

Comments

Document is made available for download with the permission of the Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment & Technology Law. Permission documentation is on file. Link to the article on publisher's website.

Subscriptions for the Vanderbilt Journal of Technology and Entertainment Law may be purchased here.

Publisher

Vanderbilt Journal of Technology and Entertainment Law

Volume

11

Issue

1

Place of Publication

Nashville, TN

Peer Reviewed

yes

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