Re: copyright of briefs

John Lederer <johnl[_at_]ibm.net> wrote:
>
> Copyright is a restriction on free speech. It is allowed to "promote
> the progress of science [knowledge]"

Maybe its just the way you phrased this, but my view is that copyright is Constitutionally on a par with free speech.

> In neither case does copyright provide a needed incentive to the author.
> In both cases copyright restricts public use of expression. Absent the
> incentive, I see only bad policy -- a restriction on free speech with
> no offsetting public benefit.

Sure it does. Should I be able to copy portions of your brief so that I can save time and make myself look better to my client?

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The preceding was not a legal opinion, and is not my employer's.
Original portions Copyright 1996 Bruce E. Hayden, All Rights Reserved
My work may be copied in whole or part, with proper attribution,
as long as the copying is not for commercial gain.
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Bruce E. Hayden                                  bhayden[_at_]acm.org
Austin, Texas                                    bhayden[_at_]copatlaw.com