Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%

Call 855-808-4530 or email [email protected] to receive your discount on a new subscription.

Bitcoin and Technology Challenges in Criminal Law

By Shari Claire Lewis
September 02, 2014

Online technology presents numerous challenges to attorneys during litigation, while managing their firms and marketing their services, and in trying to keep up with the newest legal developments and rulings. A recent decision in a case of first impression by Judge Katherine B. Forrest of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York highlights how online technology also presents challenges in criminal law enforcement.

The ruling in the case, United States v. Ulbricht, No. 14-cr-68 (KBF) (S.D.N.Y. July 9, 2014), addresses novel legal issues as they relate to the Internet and a criminal defendant's role in purported conspiracies, and the application of federal criminal law for the first time to the alleged online conduct that formed the basis for the government's charges. It appears to be the first case in New York to directly address Bitcoin currency ' a form of virtual payment that recently has been in the news and, with other virtual currencies, is the subject of a recent advisory by the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. See, http://1.usa.gov/1uXjFyE. Notably, the law provides broad immunity in most circumstances for Internet service providers for the postings and conduct of individuals who use their websites.

This premium content is locked for Entertainment Law & Finance subscribers only

  • Stay current on the latest information, rulings, regulations, and trends
  • Includes practical, must-have information on copyrights, royalties, AI, and more
  • Tap into expert guidance from top entertainment lawyers and experts

For enterprise-wide or corporate acess, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or 877-256-2473

Read These Next
Law Firms are Reducing Redundant Real Estate by Bringing Support Services Back to the Office Image

A trend analysis of the benefits and challenges of bringing back administrative, word processing and billing services to law offices.

New York's Latest Cybersecurity Commitment Image

On Aug. 9, 2023, Gov. Kathy Hochul introduced New York's inaugural comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. In sum, the plan aims to update government networks, bolster county-level digital defenses, and regulate critical infrastructure.

Bit Parts Image

Summary Judgment Denied Defendant in Declaratory Action by Producer of To Kill a Mockingbird Broadway Play Seeking Amateur Theatrical Rights

Risks of “Baseball Arbitration” in Resolving Real Estate Disputes Image

“Baseball arbitration” refers to the process used in Major League Baseball in which if an eligible player's representative and the club ownership cannot reach a compensation agreement through negotiation, each party enters a final submission and during a formal hearing each side — player and management — presents its case and then the designated panel of arbitrators chooses one of the salary bids with no other result being allowed. This method has become increasingly popular even beyond the sport of baseball.

Disconnect Between In-House and Outside Counsel Image

'Disconnect Between In-House and Outside Counsel is a continuation of the discussion of client expectations and the disconnect that often occurs. And although the outside attorneys should be pursuing how inside-counsel actually think, inside counsel should make an effort to impart this information without waiting to be asked.