at large is convinced that there is a potential for abuse even if such abuse has not yet surfaced. In addition, computers provide new opportunities for criminals, giving them the ability to commit old crimes in a new way, and with entirely new types of crimes made possible in the information age. Here as well, Congress and the courts have been forced to reconsider certain laws and to find ways to combat this new source of criminal activity. An overview of computer crime and ethical issues in computing shows that the law will have to be revamped for the computer age along with many other institutions and components of society.
Moor (1985) writes about the meaning of computer ethics, the first step in determining what a professional code should include, and he states that computer ethics "is the analysis of the nature and social impact of computer technology and the corresponding formulation and justification of policies for the ethical use of such technology (Moor, 1985, 266).
Moor also notes the difficulty of formulating a policy for the use of computer technology, though the fact that the task is difficult is not a reason for avoiding it. He says that what is required is a conceptual framework. Such a framework would include clear definitions of the different elements and issues involved, providing answers to the many questions that would arise in attempting to formulate a comprehensive policy. The formulation of such a policy does not take place in a vacuum, nor is it without precedent:
. . . I also wish to stress the underlying importance of general ethics and science to computer ethics. Ethical theory provides categories and procedures for determining what is ethically relevant (Moor, 1985, 267).
Gotterbarn (1991) points out that developing any policy regarding computer ethics is itself based on the determination that ethical problems in this area can be resolved, for if no resolution is possible, it is a was...