United States v. Phillips

477 F.3d 215 (2007)

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United States v. Phillips

United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
477 F.3d 215 (2007)

RW

Facts

The University of Texas (university) maintained a protected computer system, which users accessed by keying in their Social Security identification numbers. Christopher Phillips (defendant) hacked the system through a brute-force attack that heavily damaged the computer system and unlocked massive amounts of personal data belonging to 45,000 members of the university community. The United States government successfully prosecuted Phillips in federal district court for computer fraud and identity theft. Phillips was sentenced to probation and community service and ordered to pay the university $170,000 in damages. Phillips appealed to the Fifth Circuit.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Jones, C.J.)

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