Cyberlaw courses are designed to interpret existing laws as they relate to information communicated online. In addition, these courses provide an overview of new laws that have been developed as a result of advances in computer technology.
Cyberlaw courses cover a wide range of laws and legislation. According to the Penn State University course on "Internet Law and Policy," cyberlaw courses analyze cases involving speech, e-commerce, governmental regulation of the Internet as well as copyright and trademark laws. Harvard Law School's "Difficult Problems in Cyberlaw" course covers trouble with the global Internet economy, privacy and cybersecurity.
With the rapid expansion of the Internet to conduct business, network with friends and manage personal finances, crimes involving the Internet have increased exponentially. Cyberlaw courses are necessary because they represent the newest development in civil and criminal law. These courses prepare future lawyers to represent clients affected by crimes committed online.