Answers Quote by Laura Sydell
![“[Eric]Goldman [a professor at Santa Clara University School of Law] says back in the 1990s, courts began to confront the question of whether software code is a form of speech. Goldman says the answer to that question came in a case called Bernstein v. U.S. Department of Justice. Student Daniel…” quote by Laura Sydell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/090/laura-sydell-37336_answers_eric-goldman-a-professor-at-santa-clara_419135.jpg)
“[Eric]Goldman [a professor at Santa Clara University School of Law] says back in the 1990s, courts began to confront the question of whether software code is a form of speech. Goldman says the answer to that question came in a case called Bernstein v. U.S. Department of Justice. Student Daniel Bernstein who created an encryption software called Snuffle. He wanted to put it on the Internet. The government tried to prevent him, using a law meant to stop the export of firearms and munitions. Goldman says the student argued his code was a form of speech.”
About This Quote
Source Podcast: The Tech Show, 2023
Describes the legal debate over whether software code is protected speech, citing Bernstein v. U.S. DOJ.
In simple terms: Code can be speech under law.
Key Takeaway
Recognize code’s expressive rights.
Themes
law
technology
free speech
Mood
analytical
thought‑provoking
Type
educational
legal
philosophical
When to use this quote
- software development
- legal advocacy
- digital rights
- academic research
Key Concepts
constitutional law
intellectual property
Questions to Reflect On
- Should all code be protected as speech?
- How do we balance security with expression?
A Different Perspective
Legal protections vary by jurisdiction and context.
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