Prospectus

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Cyber Law

Course
2021-2022

Admission requirements

None, but please note that this class is based on European Union and not Dutch law. All lectures will be given in English.

Description

This course will teach you how European law regulates information technologies (IT) and, particularly, the Internet. After an introduction into European IT an Internet Law, the course will address a series of specific themes and issues, which have been addressed by the European legislator and the European Court of Justice. Themes may include:

  • The regulation of various digital environments & technologies

  • Fundamental Rights like free expression, privacy, data protection

  • State Surveillance

  • Fake News, Platform Regulation, and Internet Service Provider (ISP) liability

  • Cybercrime

Classes

Please note that attendance in this class is mandatory. There are no exceptions. No consideration will be given for conflicting classes. Students with unauthorized absences may not be permitted to submit their assignments. In order for an absence to be authorized, the student must email the lecturer prior to the class starting.

Course objectives

Objectives of the course

  • To provide insights into ways in which various areas of European law regulate information technologies and the Internet

  • To discuss new legal developments in European IT and Internet law

  • To thoroughly analyze a particular area of European IT and Internet law

Achievement levels
The following achievement levels apply with regard to the course:

  • To obtain in-depth knowledge about particular areas of European IT and Internet law

  • To critically review developments in European IT and Internet law

  • To provide a thorough written analysis of a particular legal area in European IT and Internet law

  • To cooperate with fellow students on a written assignment

Timetable

The timetable of this course can be found in uSis.

Mode of instruction

  • Number of (2 hour) lectures: 10 (interactive)

  • Names of lecturers: Dr. Mark Leiser, with the possibility of guest lecturers

  • Required preparation by students: Reading the obligatory study materials on Brightspace

  • Interactive lectures for which attendance is mandatory and registration is required (in Usis the lectures are registered as working groups).

Assessment method

  • Students will be assessed by two essays which together will make up 100% of the overall mark. Each essay is worth 50% of the final grade.

  • In order to pass the class students must score at least 5 on each assessment and achieve a weighted average of at least 5,5. If a student does not pass the class, the grades of the essays already obtained do not count for the resit. Students will have to write two new essays for the resit.

  • The grades for essays remain valid only for the academic year in which they were obtained.

Submission procedures
Will be announced on Brightspace.

Reading list

Obligatory course materials

Relevant information on this course, including many of the required study materials, is available on Brightspace. Students must have obtain access to the class textbook. A couple of copies are available in the Leiden Law Library. However, it is highly recommended that students purchase the class textbook. Online copies are not available for download.

Literature:

  • The reading list will be made available via the Class Page on Brightspace.

  • Class Textbook: Andrew Murray’s Information Technology and the Law (4th Edition). Please do not buy earlier editions. Information Technology Law is a fast-moving area and earlier editions will be out-of-date.

Course information guide:

  • See Brightspace

Reader:

  • See Brightspace

Recommended course materials

  • See Brightspace

Registration

Students have to register for the lectures and working groups through uSis. With this registration you have access to the digital learning environment of this course in Brightspace. You may register up to 5 calendar days before the first teaching session begins.

Students have to register for exams and retakes through uSis. With this registration you also have access to the digital learning environment of this course in Brightspace You may register up to 10 calendar days before the exam or retake.

When the maximum number of students have registered a waiting list will be opened at the secretariat. You should send an e-mail to elaw@law.leidenuniv.nl.

Contact information

  • Coordinator: Dr. Mark Leiser

  • Work address: KOG, Steenschuur 25, Leiden

  • E-mail: elaw@law.leidenuniv.nl

  • Telephone number secretariat: +31 (0)71 527 8838

Institution/division

  • Institution: Meta Juridica / eLaw Center for Law and Digital Technologies

  • Division: eLaw@Leiden, Center for Law and Digital Technologies

  • Telephone number secretariat: +31 (0)71 527 8838

  • E-mail: elaw@law.leidenuniv.nl

Remarks

None.