Copyright Laws, who benefits?

Ms. Ruscica

12^th Grade English

WebQuest

January 17, 2001

We are, once again, heading into unchartered waters –metaphorically speaking. In keeping with the theme of our school, our study of literature, and student interest in music, I have developed the following web quest project for you to work on during the weeks of February 5^th through 26^th.

The public policy you will be researching, evaluating, and arguing: Existing copyright laws satisfy neither the public, nor the artist. Do you know what having a “copyright” means? Who is supposed to benefit from Copyright Laws? This topic is an interesting extension to our study of literature. Copyright Laws extend to many artistic products including: paintings, sculpture, literature, music and lyrics. Currently courts have concerned themselves with copyright laws and how they restrict the downloading of music off of the Internet. If music is down loaded for free with the musician neither giving permission nor making a profit, what then is the protection of a copyright? The following pages will include your instructions as to how you will research the topic of Copyright Laws.

Your Task:

On March 1st you have been scheduled for a court appearance before the judge. The case before the judge is artist/author v. Joe public. I will assign your role, either as Lawyer, artist/author, or judge. You will be asked to argue the extent to which Copyright Laws protect an artist or author. The artist would want greater protection ensured by the laws; the public would prefer less restricted access and use of the product. On February 28^th all interested parties, including, but not limited to, the opposition and the judge, must submit all exhibits to the court for review. There will be five cases before the judge scheduled for March 1, 2001. If the court sessions run late your case may be placed on the docket for March 2, 2001.

An example of one Court Session:

Judge

Lawyer for author X Vs. Lawyer for Joe Public

Author X Lawyer for Joe Public

Opening comments for each side. - 2 min max

Evidence and witnesses for the prosecution (artist and Lawyer) - 8 minute maximum

Evidence and witnesses for the defense (Joe Public) - 8 minute Maximum

Closing comments from each side - 2 minute maxi\mum

Process:

q You must include exhibits to document your claims. Your exhibits should included information obtained through the website which I have provided for you in the Resources section of this document.

q All evidence should be numbered or lettered, and made available for the oppositions review on February 28, 2001. If it is not, it will be deemed inadmissible, and will not be considered by the judge.

q Lawyers must produce nonfictional documentation to support the laws that protect their client’s interests.

Artist/Authors must produce works that are copyrighted, however, the copyrights have been, in your opinion, violated.

q Each team will produce a legal brief, outlining the evidence and merits of their case, and citing supplementary documentation.

q The judge will review all evidence and rule in favor of one side or another. The ruling will not be based on opinion but rather the strength of the case as presented by the lawyers. If the judge rules fairly, both the side that is ruled in favor of, and the judge, will receive 10 bonus points. If the judge rules with negligence, he/she will be removed from the bench and docked 25 points. Ms. Ruscica retains the right to overturn the court rulings in the event a judge is removed from the bench.

q In all courtroom proceedings the interested parties will act with decorum and professionalism.

ReSourCes:

Please visit several of these sites while researching your case. The more information you have, the stronger your case will be. Remember, it is always good to research your opponent’s side as well, so that you may know the strengths and weaknesses of their argument.

http://www.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/ppae/ppae1.html

http://www.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/TIPS/welcome.html

http://www.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/TIPS/worksheet1.html

Use the above sites to analyze public policy surrounding Copyright laws, as they exist today.

http://www.wju.edu/academics/departments/arc/mla_internet.html

Use this site to learn how to cite your Internet sources. Navigate as follows:

-MLA Style

-Frequently asked questions

-How do I document sources from the World Wide Web in my works cited list?

http://www.riaa.com/copyright-Laws-1.cfm

http://www.riaa.com/Music-Intro.cfm

http://fairuse.stanford.edu/primary/