Date: Mon, 16 Nov 92 09:25:29 PST
>From: Lawrence Schilling <lschilling@IGC.APC.ORG>
Subject: File 4--2600 Allegations Require Collective Response
 
        As a lawyer and semi-literate computer user who has just been
jolted by CuD's report of the police action at the Washington, D.C.
2600 meeting on November 6 (CuD 4.57) I am impelled to raise the
questions that follow.  Their premise is that an effective response is
needed as a corrective to abusive law enforcement action against
so-called computer crime, especially by individuals operating in their
homes and offices, and the government's repression of the exercise of
First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and association and rights
of privacy.  [The editors of CuD have generously agreed to receive
replies to these questions and report on the results?]
 
        1.  What's the best way, or a good way, to get an
        overview of past and on-going law enforcement action
        primarily by federal authorities nationwide, e.g.
        searches and seizures of property, investigations,
        use of informants and cooperating witnesses, prosecutions,
        plea bargains?   Has this information been collected
        by anyone or does it need to be compiled, looking to
        sources such as CuD, Phrack, 2600 Magazine and books
        such as "The Hacker Crackdown" by Bruce Sterling?
 
        2.  Are there any groups:
 
          a.  monitoring law enforcement activity, e.g. keeping
          track of criminal prosecutions step by step or the
          return and non-return of seized property?
 
          b.  collecting and exchanging documents, e.g. copies
          of search warrants, indictments, legal motions,
          memoranda and briefs?
 
          c.  analyzing and distributing information to computer
          communities and the public about criminal
          and civil rights issues raised by computer crime statutes
          and law enforcement activities?
 
          d.  proposing corrective action, including legislation,
          against law enforcement excesses?
 
        3.  Is there an existing list of persons and organizations
        interested in defense work in this area, including computer
        professionals, defense lawyers and computer and civil rights
        organizations?
 
        4.  Would a defense clearinghouse and resource center
        make sense?  Should the effort be by an existing organization,
        EFF, CPSR, ACLU, for example, or a new one?
 
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