Published: 2021-09-25

An Assessment of the Internet Activities of Cyberbullies from the Point of View of Criminal Law

Michał Grudecki , Rafał Fic
Zeszyty Prawnicze
Section: Artykuły
https://doi.org/10.21697/zp.2021.21.3.08

Abstract

In this article we discuss the issue of the internet activities of cyberbullies from the aspect of criminal liability. Te analysis presented in the paper has been narrowed down to insults, which have a low level of social harmfulness but are quite prevalent on the web. The “flaming wars” phenomenon, an aggressive form of verbal exchanges between internet users, and hate speech, which boils down to insulting another person, are some of the aspects worthy of special attention. We present our opinion on the causes of such behaviour and the types of offences potentially liable to prosecution. In the following section of the paper we describe relevant factors for the assessment of the illegality of cyberbullying, such as provisions relating to legal interests, including owner’s consent, or the rules governing the contra-typifcation of behaviours. Our observations have allowed us to draw conclusions on the social acceptability or counter-typifcation of cyberbullying.

Keywords:

criminal law; unlawfulness; hate speech; flame wars; primary legality; the internet.

Download files

Citation rules

Grudecki, M. ., & Fic, R. (2021). An Assessment of the Internet Activities of Cyberbullies from the Point of View of Criminal Law. Zeszyty Prawnicze, 21(3), 213–243. https://doi.org/10.21697/zp.2021.21.3.08

Cited by / Share


This website uses cookies for proper operation, in order to use the portal fully you must accept cookies.