Bibliographic Information
Computerworld
September 17, 1984
"Who should pay for a program error?"
By Norman L. Wilson Jr.
Main Issues
- Complexity of programming
- Strict vs. looser liability
- Laws relating to computers unsophisticated
- Lack of standard to judge developers' actions
Abstract
Computers have posed problems for which the law is not ready. Akin to the so-called information gap, it is not quite possible to fit computer problems into traditional areas of the law, leaving the law in a snarl we must untangle. Computer programs are complex and debuggers will nor be able to catch all errors. Whether strict liability, liability on the part of the developers even if they take all care possible to ensure that their system is functional, should be applied is a matter of debate. Trust and confidence between consumer and developer should be emphasized.
For Further Knowledge...
- For more information on developments in improving software reliability, check out the following site devoted to software engineering.
- Click here for a great bibliography of software engineering literature from a course description at the University of Colorado.
- Programming isn't easy! For a discussion of some bugs which have surfaced as a result of this fact, click <"summary6.html">here.
- For further information from the Computer Law Journal, click here.
- For more information on liability and negligence click here.
- For a further article on this subject, click here.
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