SOPA

=Researching Legislative Topics=

S.O.P.A. (The Stop Online Piracy Act)

Part of understanding law is the ability to research the facts and defend your position. Recently, our U.S. Congress presented a bill that is designed to stop online piracy. But, exacty what is this bill and what would it mean to us as consumers and to business owners if it is passed?

Your team assignment is to research the contents of the bill and decide for yourself if you think this legislation should be passed. Below is a list of questions that you and your team need to answer so that you can prepare for a class debate on the topic.

You will be graded on the accuracy and completeness of the answers to the questions. You will submit your answers via Google Docs. Then, we will debate the topic in class on Friday.


 * 1) What is S.O.P.A? What is P.I.P.A?
 * 2) What provisions or stipulations are included in the bills?
 * 3) If passed, how would the new law affect businesses?
 * 4) If passed, how would the new law affect consumers (like you)?
 * 5) Are you for or against the bill? Why? You MUST defend (factually) your position.
 * 6) If you are against the bill, are you for some time of legislation to stop piracy? What would you propose? If you are not for ANY type of legislation, explain why. Defend, factually, your position.