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Computer and internet fraud

computer and internet fraud: an overview

Criminal activity involving the perpetration of a fraud through the use of the computer or the internet can take many different forms. One common form includes “hacking,” in which a perpetrator uses sophisticated technological tools to remotely access a secure computer or internet location. A second common criminal activity involves illegally intercepting an electronic transmission not intended for the interceptor.

Blue sky law

Definition

A state law that imposes standards for offering and selling securities.  Such laws aim to protect individuals from fraudulent or overly speculative investments. 

Overview

Originally prepared by Deepa Sarkar of the Cornell Law School Securities Law Clinic. 

Habeas corpus

Latin for "that you have the body." A writ of habeas corpus is used to bring a prisoner or other detainee (e.g. institutionalized mental patient) before the court to determine if the person's imprisonment or detention is lawful. In the US system, federal courts can use the writ of habeas corpus to determine if a state's detention of a prisoner is valid.  A habeas petition proceeds as a civil action against the State agent (usually a warden) who holds the defendant in custody.

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