Sources of Law and Modes of Governance: Ethnography and Theory in Second Life

Authors

  • Claude T. Aiken, IV Federal Communications Commission

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/tlp.2010.55

Abstract

Belgian police began patrolling Second Life, the virtual world, in early 2007, responding to a claim of virtual rape.[1]  Few crimes evoke as much social revulsion and emotional harm as the powerful forcing themselves on the weak.  But does it make sense to talk about an avatar-on-avatar sexual misconduct in familiar terms (i.e., sexual assault and rape)?  Is it punishable?  Who should take care of the punishing?

[1] Benjamin Duranske, Reader Roundtable: “Virtual Rape” Claim Brings Belgian Police to Second Life, Virtually Blind, Apr. 24, 2007, http://virtuallyblind.com/2007/04/24/open-roundtable-allegations-of-virtual-rape-bring-belgian-police-to-second-life/.

Author Biography

Claude T. Aiken, IV, Federal Communications Commission

Honors Program Attorney

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Published

2010-04-01

How to Cite

Aiken, IV, C. T. (2010). Sources of Law and Modes of Governance: Ethnography and Theory in Second Life. Pittsburgh Journal of Technology Law & Policy, 10. https://doi.org/10.5195/tlp.2010.55

Issue

Vol. 10: VOLUME X- FALL 2009/SPRING 2010

Section

Articles

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