June 11, 2013
Dear Readers,
The Richmond Journal of Law and Technology is proud to present its final issue of the 2012-2013 academic year. First published in 1995, JOLT is the world’s first exclusively online law review. JOLT strives to discuss new and emerging issues that fall squarely at the intersection of technology and the law. Embracing its tradition of using technology to enhance legal scholarship, JOLT’s nineteenth volume marked the launch of its new interactive website and blog. In addition to providing traditional PDFs for printing and citation, entire articles are now available in full text on JOLT’s website. JOLT’s new platform offers reader and author interaction, advanced searchable features, links to similar articles and legal theories, and short staff-written blogs and updates.
In our first article, “Information Governance: It’s a Duty and It’s Smart Business,” Charles R. Ragan discusses the need for modern organizations to implement information governance programs to protect against the dangers associated with an overload of information, including unnecessary costs, exposure to litigation, and damage to the organization’s reputation. In particular, Ragan analyzes the risks associated with the growing volumes of information, examines the benefits derived from an information governance program, and discusses approaches that organizations can take to achieve an effective program. He concludes that senior management of organizations and corporate boards have a duty to consider and evaluate the risks of information-related issues.
In our second article, “No Implied Effect: The ‘Safe’ FCC Cell Phone Radiation Standard and Tort Immunity by Implied Conflict Preemption,” Sean M. Sherman looks at courts’ approaches to state tort lawsuits against cell phone makers for harms relating to exposure to low-level radiation. Specifically, Sherman analyzes a split among appellate courts over whether such suits should be barred under the doctrine of implied conflict preemption based on the FCC’s standard for a “safe” level of radiation. He argues that these suits should be allowed to advance in accordance with Supreme Court precedent and in response to growing evidence indicating serious health risks associated with cell phone radiation.
Our final article by Nicole A. Poltash, “Snapchat and Sexting: A Snapshot of Baring Your Bare Essentials,” is the winner of the 2013 JOLT Student Comment Competition. Poltash examines the exponential increase of sexting between minors and its link to the growing popularity of the social media application called Snapchat. She discusses the current legal implications of the application and addresses possible solutions.
JOLT appreciates the continuing support from the University of Richmond School of Law community, most especially the guidance we receive from our faculty advisors, Professors Chris Cotropia and Jim Gibson. The success of JOLT would not be possible without the hard work of its staff. I would particularly like to thank the members of the 2012-2013 JOLT editorial board for their outstanding dedication to the journal. I am confident that the incoming editorial board will continue JOLT’s mission to promote relevant and timely discussions on the practical effects the growth of technology has on society.
On behalf of the entire 2012-2013 JOLT staff, I extend our sincerest thanks for your continued readership. As always, your comments and suggestions are welcome at jolt.richmond.edu.
Best Regards,
Laura H. Cahill
Editor-in-Chief
Volume XIX
12. Information Governance: It’s a Duty and It’s Smart Business, by Charles R. Ragan
13. No Implied Effect: The ‘Safe’ FCC Cell Phone Radiation Standard and Tort Immunity by Implied Conflict Preemption, by Sean M. Sherman
14. Snapchat and Sexting: A Snapshot of Baring Your Bare Essentials, by Nicole A. Poltash