All happy families are happy in the same way, but no two unhappy families are alike.   More  

The record industry scored a major legal victory on July 26, when a federal judge issued an order to shut down Napster, the popular music swapping site. But the industry's elation was short-lived, as two federal appeal court judges granted Napster's request to stay the order, which had been scheduled to go into effect at midnight on July 28. Napster's appeal of Judge Marilyn Hall Patel's ruling will be heard in mid-August, and the site can continue operations in the meantime.   More  

In the early 1970's, legal organized gambling in the U.S. existed only in the glitzy casinos of Las Vegas, Nevada and Atlantic City, New Jersey. But due to significant public demand and massive revenue generating abilities, numerous forms of organized gambling ranging from horseracing to state-operated lotteries have blossomed across the country. Operated either by state governments or regulated private entities, some form of legalized gambling exists in 47 states and the District of Columbia.   More  

With the Senate unanimously approving the Millennium Digital Commerce Act (MDCA) on June 20, 2000, the concept of digital signatures on the Internet being as legally binding as conventional pen-and-paper contracts stands a pen stroke away from becoming a reality. Unlike similar digital, or electronic, signature legislation that failed in Congress last November, the House has already passed their version of the MDCA and President Clinton has promised to sign the bill into law. Digital signature supporters have long held that the creation of such an item will revolutionize how business and legal transactions are completed in the global economy.   More  

With the development of affordable computer technology over the past two decades, coupled with the need for increased and faster communications, the American office place has experienced a significant metamorphosis. While it was once a luxury to have your own office phone extension, it is now common for workers to have voice mail, personal computers, e-mail and Internet connection. While these advances have aided productivity and business growth, they have also created new concerns over corporate security efforts and the privacy rights of employees.   More