Name _____________________________________________

The Case of the Anxious Student

The dean at Catahoula Law School, a private institution located directly across the Louisiana/Mississippi border, brings you this problem. One of the faculty, Professor Smith, has been giving a course in comparative law via videoconferencing from CLS to LSU Law Center students. The professor speaks from an empty seminar room at CLS; his words are being transmitted over phone lines. Another faculty member, Professor Jones, is also giving the course (different section) to CLS students.

A CLS student, Cathy Carter, happened to be visiting friends in Baton Rouge who were enrolled in the LSU section and accompanied them to their class. She decided to tape the class in order to assist her with her own studying. Professor Jones does not allow taping of his class sessions. Cathy Carter did not ask whether Professor Smith had said anything about taping, and the LSU students said nothing about it to her.

Professor Smith found out about the taping and filed a complaint with the CLS dean. The dean now wants to know if Ms. Carter can be charged with any federal or state crime for taping the class.

Outline the issues in this case. What federal crimes might Ms. Carter be charged with? What state crimes (and which states)? Any law school violations? If you were to give the dean suggestions for handling this case, what might you tell him?

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