Myspace Suicide Case Verdict

Recently the case involving a young girl who committed suicide after being taunted by a 49 year old women and her daughter was tried. The court found the 49 year old women (Lori Drew) guilty of three misdemeanors for computer fraud. It seems that this ruling was based mainly on the fact that the young girl, Megan Meier, was known to have a history of depression and suicidal tendencies.

I think this case calls attention how new of a technology websites like Myspace and Facebook are. In this sense, positive outcomes can actually be seen from this case. According to New York lawyer, Nick Akerman, "This case will be simply another important step in the expanded use of this statute to protect the public from computer crime."

While this case may serve as a stepping stone regarding the regulation of cyberbullying, state law already exists that adresses it. While most of the state law regards cyberbullying in schoool, I feel as if much of it could be applied across the board. According to USA Today, "a New Jersey bill added electronic communication to the definition of bullying in school policies. While the law refers to bullying in schools, new state guidelines say school administrators "may impose consequences for acts of harassment, intimidation or bullying that occur off school grounds, such as cyberbullying," but only when those acts substantially disrupt school". (http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-02-06-cyber-bullying-list_N.htm) Had this case occurred in New Jersey, this law very well could have applied.

Although the outcome of this case is horrible, I don't disagree with the sentencing. It would be very difficult to prove that Meier committed suicide based on the cyberbullying beyond a reasonable doubt as she had a history of depression and suicidal tendencies. However, this does not change the fact that this event and those alike, is a tragedy.