The Berkman Center initiated the Internet Law Program in 2000 to offer the public a way to learn about legal, economic, and public interest debates surrounding the Internet. The program focuses particularly on national and international regulatory frameworks governing Internet usage. It features two central components: a distance-learning component and classroom instruction.

Online Instruction

The online course component takes place several weeks in advance of the classroom program and is designed to accommodate participants with a range of backgrounds and knowledge levels. A series of resources will be made available to participants online and on CDs or DVDs, and discussion forums will allow participants to engage in structured weekly dialogue about relevant topics. A sample instruction module can be viewed here.

Classroom Instruction

The core segment of the program is an intensive series of lectures and discussions designed to explore all aspects of contemporary Internet Law. A sample schedule, for the June 22-24, 2005 program at Harvard, is available.

Who Should Attend and Why

A background in Internet Law is not required to attend the program, which attracts a broad range of participants including professionals in law, business, technology, education, media, government, and the nonprofit community. This diversity enhances the value of the learning experience.

The program offers participants an opportunity to:

• consider the legal and policy environment that governs online activity, both in the U.S. and around the world;
• examine the changing technological character of the Internet;
• explore the implications of Internet policy and legal reforms;
• identify how reforms affect the public interest; and
• use the experience of the faculty and other participants to address policy-making questions.