Introduction to Information Technology Law (6th ed.)

Citation

George, C. (2008), "Introduction to Information Technology Law (6th ed.)", Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society, Vol. 6 No. 3, pp. 279-280. https://doi.org/10.1108/jices.2008.6.3.279.1

This sixth edition of Bainbridge's book has seen a change in title from the old title Introduction to Computer Law to the new title Introduction to Information Technology Law. This change in title reflects a wider focus to include content addressing legal issues related to information and communications technology – ICT (especially the internet) rather than focusing solely on computer law. The sixth edition also has many improvements on the previous edition including: an updated glossary of computer, information technology, and legal terms; an updated companion web site; a new end‐of‐chapter summary and self‐test facility; updated content including new chapters, legislation and case law; and a new section on professional and social issues.

The writing style of the book is easy to follow and the content easily understandable. The topics in the book are covered in sufficient depth and are well ordered in a logical and sequential manner. The book is up‐to‐date and contains developments in the law, new offences and legal issues (e.g. electronic contracts over the internet, torts related to electronic information, computer evidence and forensic issues). It is technically accurate and makes good use of previous cases (both from the UK and the USA) to explain the law in greater detail. A glossary of terms at the start of the book serves a very useful function by giving the reader a quick reference to important terms. This is especially useful for readers who are not well versed in either law or computing. The book also makes good use of figures (diagrams) and tables to help the reader understand concepts and issues. At the end of each chapter is a summary, again a helpful new feature that highlights the important points covered in a particular chapter. Also included at the end of each chapter is a section giving self‐test questions which allows the reader to test himself/herself on the content read. These additions add value to the book as a student text.

The book is divided into six parts. Parts one to five focus on themes in the previous edition with updates to reflect developments in the law and technology. These themes are, respectively: intellectual property, information technology contracts, electronic contracts and torts, ICT crime (including a new chapter on computer evidence and forensics), and data protection (including a new chapter on freedom of information). Another notable new addition to this sixth edition is Part 6 which is the section on professional and social issues of ICT. This new section has two chapters. The first chapter focuses on the computer professional especially issues related to duties and obligations, whistle‐blowing and expert witnesses. The second chapter focuses on the social and ethical perspectives of issues such as privacy, freedom of expression, open government, intellectual property rights and the impact of ICT on society.

This sixth edition is clearly a big improvement on the previous edition and provides a useful resource for anyone interested in legal issues related to ICT. It is larger in size and has more pages (720 pages) compared to the previous edition (597 pages). It is highly recommended as a comprehensive textbook for students and also a good reference for professionals.