"Who owns the law?" question

From: BLSJDRP@delphi.com
Date: Mon Jul 17 1995 - 07:20:35 PDT


Since this didn't come up in the lively debate in program C1 this morning,
and there was no audience Q&A, I'm posting this question for the panelists as well as for general discussion:

As I read statements from Schatz Paquin (A a law firm who represents West
Publishing), West's position seems to be that lawyers have a fair use
permit to photocopy individual cases from West reporters. Does this mean
that under the Texaco decision, lawyers who copy a coase -- let's say
an attorney zaps off a copy of a case in her area of expertise when the
N.E.2d advance sheet crossers her desk, and files it for later reference --
have no legal defense and are relying only on hthe kindness of West not to
sue for copyright violations?

Brian Smith, Librarian
Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue
Chicago
blsjdrp@delphi.com

Statement of disclosure: I am writing this at a pc in the Pittsburgh
conference Internet room that has been graciously provided by West Publishing.



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