Need for International Cooperation in Combating Computer Crime (From Computerization in the Management of the Criminal Justice System: Proceedings of the Workshop and the Symposium on Computerization of Criminal Justice Information at the Ninth United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and

• NCJ Number: 167623
• Author(s): D K Piragoff
• Date Published: 1996
• Length: 5 pages
• Sale Source: Criminal Justice Press/Willow Tree Press
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: Finland

Annotation

Computer-related crime is discussed with respect to its nature and the implications for international law enforcement cooperation.

Abstract

Local law varies greatly and is bound by territorial jurisdiction. However, computer technology is worldwide, universal, and oblivious to national boundaries. The transnational expansion of large computer networks increases the vulnerability of these systems and the opportunity for misuse or criminal activity on a transnational basis. In addition, the expansion of international trade and commerce increases the need for laws that will safeguard these economic interests. Common international laws increase the ability of transnational business and other computer users to predict the legal consequences for computer related crime and facilitate the creation of international norms. Making various laws consistent also facilitates international law enforcement and has several other advantages as well. However, a lack of consensus exists regarding the definitions and elements of proof of computer-related crime. In addition, the lack of an international forum for achieving international cooperation has resulted in only regional approaches to date. The Eighth United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders in 1990 unanimously adopted a resolution on efforts to address computer crime.