Assignment 4Client's Facts

The client is a local public library that has recentlydecided to allow an anonymous Internet browsingnetwork called Sepositus to use its servers. Sepositusallows people to communicate anonymously. It relieson layers of computers all over the world to hide theidentity of its users. It is essentially a web browser.

Because the library is a local public library, the citycouncil approves the budget of the library. The citycouncil warned the library that if it allowed Sepositusto use its servers, the city would revoke the portionof the library's budget that went to its computer network system, which includes the servers that house thelibrary catalog, patron records (like checkout recordsand overdue fine records), and allow access to e-books,as well as the computers used by patrons to searchthe library catalog, and use the Internet at computers housed at the library. After the library's Sepositusnode went live the city council held a special sessionand revoked the portion of the budget that went tothe library's computer network system. The libraryclaims the action violates its rights to intellectual freedom, freedom to read, and privacy rights. The librarybelieves intellectual freedom and freedom of communication is essential to maintaining a democracy.

The law firm handles cases involving the violation of constitutional and privacy rights.

Assignment: The researcher is assigned the task ofidentifying and analyzing the possible causes of actionthat the client may have against the city council.

a. Discuss and describe in detail the steps youshould follow when conducting the legalanalysis.

b. Assume there are possible causes of action basedon freedom of speech under the First Amendment and equal protection under the Fourteenth Amendment. For each issue, describe indetail each step of the analytical process.

c. Discuss factors that may possibly affect aresearcher's objectivity and how those factorscould affect the legal analysis of the problem.