Citation

Deirmenjian JM. J. Am. Acad. Psychiatry Law 1999; 27(3): 407-413.

Affiliation

Dept. of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA. jdeirmen@earthlink.net

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, Publisher American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

10509940

Abstract

The Internet has revolutionized communication on a global level while creating a medium for stalking. Cyberstalking has emerged as a new form of stalking behavior. While 10 states have passed laws against electronic harassment, there has been great debate about whether electronic stalking constitutes criminal behavior or whether a perpetrator is entitled First Amendment protection. In the psychiatric literature to date, there are no studies of cyberstalking. This article focuses on relevant cases of stalking on the Internet. Specific legal issues associated with cyberstalking, such as boundary laws and freedom of speech, are examined. The psychological profile of the cyberstalker, as well as methods of intervention, are discussed.

Language: en