Compilation of State and Federal Privacy Laws 02 with 09 Suppl (Paperback)

~ Robert Ellis Smith (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

We are living in a world of bar codes, computer files, and digital records where our vital statistics are no longer private and everyone knows our name. Fortunately, there are laws protecting citizen privacy and data collection. Where other works on privacy may discuss the public-policy issues of government interference and Big Brother paranoia, this compilation, updated from the 1992 edition and touted as the "nation's only single source of information about confidentiality statutes," digests the relevant privacy laws surrounding bank records, computer crime, library records, employment records, and 18 other areas. The more than 600 laws described and cited are grouped by category, from "Arrest and Conviction Records" to "Testing in Employment." The standard format for each category is a summary of each state's law and citation to the full statute; representative laws are included in full text in an appendix. Although a table of contents lists the categories, the lack of a subject index forces the reader to scan the prefatory material to determine where certain topics have been categorized (breast-feeding in public in New York is listed under "Miscellaneous") and for the grid of states and topics. Background on the history of privacy issues is included, as well as an appropriate caution that regulations and court cases may affect the statute. Canadian laws are included in an appendix. Smith, a lawyer and journalist, is the publisher of Privacy Journal, an independent monthly newsletter published since 1974. Recommended for all public libraries as an index or starting point in research. Kathie J. Sullivan, McNamee, Lochner, Titus & Williams Lib., Albany, N.Y.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"This book is a wonderful addition to your privacy reference shelf." -- DM News, Columnist Robert Gellman, July 5, 2004

Always the first source for fielding questions about confidentiality and privacy rights and protections - or the lack of - in this country. --Legislative Research Library, Alaska

This book is a wonderful addition to your privacy reference shelf. --DM News, Columnist Robert Gellman, July 5, 2004

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Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Privacy Journal (March 18, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0930072170
• ISBN-13: 978-0930072179
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #488,226 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars First Resource, August 11, 2008

By	P. Young "legislative analyst" (Juneau, AK United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

With its annual supplements, this book continues to be an outstanding resource on privacy issues--the collection and dissemination of personal data, electronic surveillance, identify theft, credit reporting, and many others. The Compilation is always my first source for fielding questions about confidentiality and privacy rights and protections--or the lack thereof--in this country.

5.0 out of 5 stars Very valuable resource, July 19, 2008

By	A. Acquisti (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

A truly valuable resource for privacy researchers, as well as anybody interested in navigating the confusing (and sometimes contradictory) panorama of legal protection afforded to privacy in the United States. The fact that this 2008 edition updates the compilation of laws up to very recent months makes it a much needed and timely reference.

2 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Knowledge is Power- empower yourself, December 15, 2000

By	"[e-mail]" (Arkansas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Compilation of State and Federal Privacy Laws: 1997 (Paperback)

Knowlege is power and this book will empower you with knowledge on how the government likes to keep track of everyone through laws such as the "Freedom of Information Act", the "Privacy as of 1974" Computer matching of information on you, if you want to learn about the different files that are kept on you, you need this book.