The Nonprofits' Guide to Internet Communications Law [Paperback]

Internet communication is the lifeblood of countless nonprofit organizations, yet there exists no specific law to provide for its regulation. Without solid legal guidance, nonprofits risk not only missing out on the unlimited opportunities that the Internet has to offer, but also jeopardizing their tax-exempt status. The Nonprofits' Guide to Internet Communications Law analyzes and explains the laws applicable to Internet communications by nonprofit organizations.

Nonprofit law expert Bruce Hopkins writes that with Congress and government agencies reluctant to create new law, it will ultimately be up to the courts to determine the future of Internet law affecting nonprofit organizations. Extrapolating from the underlying principles of existing law, Hopkins addresses the legal ramifications of Internet business activities, charitable-giving administration, fundraising programs, lobbying, political campaign activities, and more.

The Nonprofits' Guide to Internet Communications Law proves an unparalleled resource for this emerging field.

FOREWORD XI

PREFACE XV

ABOUT THE AUTHOR XIX

CHAPTER 1 Introduction to Legal Aspects of Internet Communications by Nonprofit Organizations 1

§ 1.1 Some Basics about the Internet 2

(a) Introduction to the Internet 2

(b) Internet as Seen by the Supreme Court 3

(c) Internet as Seen by Others 7

§ 1.2 Main Applications of the Internet 8

(a) Electronic Mail 8

(b) World Wide Web in General 9

(c) Newsgroups 10

(d) Internet Chat 11

§ 1.3 Understanding the Internet—Questl'