Uncertainty as to applicability of the law

Uncertainty as to applicability of the law

Many cases of computer crime are cases of first impression. Therefore, the new technology involved, statutes not yet interpreted by courts, and the difficulties that the legal system has in defining property rights in intangible objects all make the prosecutor's task difficult in a computer crime case. Some laws are simply contradictory on their face, and can easily be shown to be subject to either demurrer or extensive litigation. The issue of valuation of computer media is another issue not always answered by the law.