Control of cybercrime : the English law approach

Abstract

This research paper is an analytical legal study on crimes committed via the internet and other computer networks in English law. The United Kingdom issued the "Computer Misuse Act 1990". wich came into force on 29 August 1990. The Act has created three new offences, and deals with some of the difficult questions created by advances in information technology. This rescarch deals only with the substantive changes wrought in the criminal law by the Act. It also reviews case law, and highlights the response of the courts to the new Act. This research study was chosen for two reasons. First, United Kingdom is one of the foremost countries in which the legal system is suitably prepared for fighting cybercrime. Moreover, the Computer Misuse Act 1990 provisions have been adopted by other jurisdictions. Secondly, the Computer Misuse Act 1990 does go considerable way in providing an effective and adequate legislative framework to deal with this form of criminal activity. This was reflected by an extensive case law.
This study highlights computer and information technology crime, and explores criminal acts conducted and committed through computers and Internet. In order to address these issues, the research paper will consider comparative laws, specially the, English law. The aim of this approach is to explore new directions of thinking and to look abroad in order to learn about better ways of preventing and combating cyber crime. It is very important to look at what other legal systems have done to fight such crimes. From the analysis, one main concluding point seem to be most evident. Control of Cyber crime legislation, similar to English law, should be enacted by the Jordanian legislature. This legislation should be kept up to date with technological changes, especially with the current rapid development of technology.