Category: Technology

I.  Introduction
Virtual reality is fast becoming a mainstay in today’s modern culture of computer savvy citizens all over the world.  [1]  It is a concept of real time and space existing within a construct comprised entirely of a dynamic, streaming assembly of 1’s and 0’s of binary programming language, translated into an individual’s online world.  As the complexity and realism of these interactive virtual playgrounds increase, users have adapted a plethora of entrepreneurial opportunities that test the legal boundaries of laws throughout the world, including those of the United States.  [2]   

As esoteric as the concept of a body of law existing in a domain lacking a tangible, physical existence may seem, society is now witnessing the birth of an age where laws do exist in virtual worlds.  These laws are continually evolving and adapting to the breakneck speed at which technology pushes the envelope forward.  [3]  But where

I. Introduction

 

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (FMRI) and DNA sequence mapping provide technologies that offer society unprecedented benefits, but at a cost that we are only beginning to understand.  [2]  FMRI, for example, enables researchers to map the brain's neurons as they process thoughts, sensations, memories and motor commands. [3] This provides neurologists with the ability to detect early onset of Alzheimer's disease and other ailments without invasive surgery.  [4]  It also can be used as a next generation lie detector in that it provides an almost infallible insight into a person's thought process that detects deception, raising obvious concerns about our civil liberties and right to privacy.  [5]  

DNA sequence screening, on the other hand, involves the study of genes and the notion that they are determinative of an individual's behavior, character, and future medical problems.  [6]  Diseases such as Crohn's disease, night blindness, Lupus, and emphysema  and

          From gambling in the city of lights to gambling on the internet in your PJs at home, Americans love to wager their hard earned dollars on a variety of games.  Despite this fact, the U.S. Congress decided to place a ban on online gambling. [1] As a result, the United States went in front of the World Trade Organization (WTO) after Antigua complained of unfair commerce practices when it was prevented from engaging in transactions with U.S. consumers.[2]  The WTO sided with Antigua, finding that the U.S. did in fact violate its trade obligations to the world community, and the U.S. may now be face billions of dollars in damages.[3]  Even in light of this finding, the U.S. has passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Act of 2006, which effectively criminalizes funding online gambling accounts. [4] In the face of strong opposition, will the U.S. back down

     Many of us enjoy those cheeky, and admittedly strange, Vonage commercials.  A substantial number of us are also drawn to the very low price of Vonage services as evidenced by the fact that Vonage has approximately 2.2 million users.[1]  For only $24.99 per month one can get their local and long distance phone service through the internet,[2] but recent events indicate that this price maybe too good to be true.  When deals like this come along, one may wonder how the company in question was able to charge so little and yet still turn a profit.  The answer to that question may be that Vonage has infringed on patents held by Verizon, turning a profit on technology they do not legally own, according to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.[3]  While the trial has concluded and Verizon has won the first round, this