NCJ Number
88895
Date Published
1983
Length
155 pages
Annotation
A Norwegian attorney discusses common types of computer crimes and international efforts to develop legislation addressing this phenomenon. He suggests an international model of computer crime legislation, based on American and Canadian efforts, that countries soon to experience the computer boom would be wise to enact.
Abstract
Theft of computer services, data appropriation or destruction, sabotage and vandalism, and theft, embezzlement, and fraud of property are some of the crimes to which society is vulnerable. Automatic data processing has developed so rapidly and its impact has been so fast and enormous that codes of ethics and public sentinment have not kept pace. Two studies on attitudes toward unethical behavior -- one done by SRI International in the United States and a Canadian study -- are reviewed here to offer insights into current thinking about computer crime. An international model of computer crime legislation should incorporate descriptions of computer devices that are general, not specific, and should be modeled after standard property crime legislation. Both imprisonment and fines should be included. The Norwegian Penal Code should be updated to include computer-related statutes. The model legislation, computer crime cases, and 18 references are appended. Some data tables are provided.