To demonstrate the inadequacies of existing computer security systems, Cornell student Robert Morris created a computer virus. His plan, however, went awry, as plans sometimes do. He thought his virus would be relatively harmless, but it ran amok, crashing scores of computers at universities, military sites, and medical research sites. Under what statute might Morris be charged? Has he committed a crime, or is he liable only for civil penalties?

Does it matter that he did not intend to cause damage?