/* R FRINGE COMMENTARY- Here's the Maryland Computer Crimes Law,
with comments; Article 27, Section 146, Code of Maryland, "Crimes
and Punishments */
(a) Definitions- In this section the following words have the
meanings indicated.
(1)(i) "Computer" means an electronic, magnetic, optical,
organic, or other data processing device or system that performs
logical, arithmetic, memory or storage functions.
/* The reference to organic is very interesting. I guess when
someone clones a brain (hopefully one much better than mine) then
it is protected as well. */
(ii) "Computer" includes any property, data storage
facility, or communications facility that is directly related to
or operated in conjunction with that device or system.
(iii) "Computer" does not include an automated typewriter or
typesetter, a portable calculator, or any computer that:
1. Is designed, manufactured, and used exclusively for routine
personal, family or household purposes; and
2. Is not used to access, communicated with, or manipulate any
other computer.
/* Curious. Why shouldn't your video game system have just as
much protection as a mainframe used for credit card transaction
processing? In any event, all of you with modems are within the
protection provided by this law. */
(2) "Computer control language" means any ordered statements
that direct a computer to perform specific functions.
/* Yikes. Since my programming is so good, and I never know what
my code will cause the computer to do, so I guess my code isn't a
computer control language since it causes the computer to lock up
or to perform random functions. */
/* The preceding comment was a joke. */
/*Just wanted to be sure that you knew that it was a joke. */
(3) "Computer data base" means a representation of
information, knowledge,, facts, concepts or instructions that:
(i) Are being prepared or have been prepared in a
formalized manner, and
(ii) Are intended for use in a computer, computer system, or
computer network.
(4) "Computer network" means the interconnection of 1 or more
computers through:
(i) the use of satellite, microwave, line or other
communication media; and
(ii) Terminals or a complex consisting of 2 or more
interconnected computers.
(5) "Computer program" means an ordered set of instructions
or statement that may interact with related data that, when
executed in a computer system, causes the computer to perform
specified functions.
(6) "Computer services" includes, but is not limited to,
computer time, data processing, and storage functions.
(7) "Computer software" means computer programs,
instructions, procedures or associated documentation that is
concerned with the operation of a computer system.
(8) "Computer system" means 1 or more connected or
unconnected computers, peripheral devices, software, data, or
programs.
(9) "Access" means to instruct, communicated with, store data
in, retrieve data from, or otherwise make use of equipment
including, but not limited to, computers and other data
processing equipment or resources connected therewith.
(b) Other applicable Code provisions.-- This section does not
preclude the applicability of any other provision of this Code.
(c) Illegal access.-- No person shall intentionally,
willfully, and without authorization access, attempt to access,
or cause access to a computer, computer network, computer control
language, computer system,computer services, computer data base,
or any part of these systems or services.
(d) Penalty. -- Any person who violates any provision of
subsection (c) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on
conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $ 1,000 or
imprisonment not exceeding three years or both.
(e) Scope of offenses; jurisdiction. -- (1) When illegal
access to a computer, computer network, computer control
language, computer system, computer services, computer data base,
or any part of these systems or services is committed in
violation of this section pursuant to 1 scheme or continuing
course of conduct, the conduct may be considered as 1 offense.
(2) A court of competent jurisdiction in this State may try a
person who allegedly violates any provision of subsection (c) of
this section in any county in this State where:
(i) The person performs the act; or
(ii) THe accessed computer is located.
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