/* R FRINGE COMMENTARY- Here's the Maryland Computer Crimes Law, with comments; Article 27, Section 146, Code of Maryland, "Crimes and Punishments */ (a) Definitions- In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. (1)(i) "Computer" means an electronic, magnetic, optical, organic, or other data processing device or system that performs logical, arithmetic, memory or storage functions. /* The reference to organic is very interesting. I guess when someone clones a brain (hopefully one much better than mine) then it is protected as well. */ (ii) "Computer" includes any property, data storage facility, or communications facility that is directly related to or operated in conjunction with that device or system. (iii) "Computer" does not include an automated typewriter or typesetter, a portable calculator, or any computer that: 1. Is designed, manufactured, and used exclusively for routine personal, family or household purposes; and 2. Is not used to access, communicated with, or manipulate any other computer. /* Curious. Why shouldn't your video game system have just as much protection as a mainframe used for credit card transaction processing? In any event, all of you with modems are within the protection provided by this law. */ (2) "Computer control language" means any ordered statements that direct a computer to perform specific functions. /* Yikes. Since my programming is so good, and I never know what my code will cause the computer to do, so I guess my code isn't a computer control language since it causes the computer to lock up or to perform random functions. */ /* The preceding comment was a joke. */ /*Just wanted to be sure that you knew that it was a joke. */ (3) "Computer data base" means a representation of information, knowledge,, facts, concepts or instructions that: (i) Are being prepared or have been prepared in a formalized manner, and (ii) Are intended for use in a computer, computer system, or computer network. (4) "Computer network" means the interconnection of 1 or more computers through: (i) the use of satellite, microwave, line or other communication media; and (ii) Terminals or a complex consisting of 2 or more interconnected computers. (5) "Computer program" means an ordered set of instructions or statement that may interact with related data that, when executed in a computer system, causes the computer to perform specified functions. (6) "Computer services" includes, but is not limited to, computer time, data processing, and storage functions. (7) "Computer software" means computer programs, instructions, procedures or associated documentation that is concerned with the operation of a computer system. (8) "Computer system" means 1 or more connected or unconnected computers, peripheral devices, software, data, or programs. (9) "Access" means to instruct, communicated with, store data in, retrieve data from, or otherwise make use of equipment including, but not limited to, computers and other data processing equipment or resources connected therewith. (b) Other applicable Code provisions.-- This section does not preclude the applicability of any other provision of this Code. (c) Illegal access.-- No person shall intentionally, willfully, and without authorization access, attempt to access, or cause access to a computer, computer network, computer control language, computer system,computer services, computer data base, or any part of these systems or services. (d) Penalty. -- Any person who violates any provision of subsection (c) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $ 1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding three years or both. (e) Scope of offenses; jurisdiction. -- (1) When illegal access to a computer, computer network, computer control language, computer system, computer services, computer data base, or any part of these systems or services is committed in violation of this section pursuant to 1 scheme or continuing course of conduct, the conduct may be considered as 1 offense. (2) A court of competent jurisdiction in this State may try a person who allegedly violates any provision of subsection (c) of this section in any county in this State where: (i) The person performs the act; or (ii) THe accessed computer is located. Downloaded From P-80 International Information Systems 304-744-2253