Austin, Texas.
On March 1, 1990, pursuant to a search warrant, the Secret Service searched
and seized two working computers (including one with a bulletin board
service) and 300 diskettes from the office of Steve Jackson Games,
Incorporated.
The Secret Service was looking for a copy of a 911 document.
No criminal charges were filed in this case - against Steve Jackson Games
or any of its employees.
Although the Secret Service completed its review of the seized evidence
by March 28, the computers and diskettes were not returned until late June.
Steve Jackson Games, Inc. (as well as several users of the bulletin board
system) brought a civil action against the Secret Service, claiming violation
of the Privacy Protection Act, and of the Electronic Communications Privacy
Act.
U.S. District Court Judge Sparks (Western District, Austin, Texas)
heard final arguments of the parties yesterday.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation assisted Steve Jackson Games Inc
with legal representation.
This case raises several important issues.
For daily reporting on case developments - see the Houston Chronicle -
byline by Joe Abernathy.
Eileen Knabe, J.D., M.L.I.S.
Austin, Texas
(512) 892-5427
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