SPACE, CYBER, AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS LAW: 2019-2020 Annual Report

Authors

Matt Schaefer, University of Nebraska College of LawFollow
Justin Hurwitz, University of Nebraska College of LawFollow
Jack M. Beard, University of Nebraska College of LawFollow
Frans von der Dunk, Nebraska College of Law, University of NebraskaFollow
Elsbeth Magilton, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2020

Comments

Copyright 2020 Board of Regents University of Nebraska

Abstract

In assembling this Annual Report we appreciated the opportunity to review major accomplishments and growth of the Space, Cyber, and Telecommunications Law (SCTL) program during the 2019-2020 academic year. Of course, this was a year like no other as we responded to an unfolding global pandemic. We are proud of what we accomplished prior to that and of our response in the face of that sudden change. For readers unfamiliar with the program, the SCTL program was established in 2007 largely in response to interest by the U.S. Air Force in establishing a U.S. based program in space law to which it could send Judge Advocate General (JAG) officers. At the time it was established, the law school recognized the narrowness of the field and decided to focus the program more broadly on space law as the thencurrent domain of interest to the Department of Defense (DoD), on cyberlaw as the likely next domain of interest both to DoD and the nation generally, and on telecommunications as a common foundation necessary to both. We continue to focus on service to the state of Nebraska, taking on issues such as the rural digital divide and agricultural access to broadband, and our global community. We engage with international organizations and colleagues on challenges our society faces in space and online. The program faculty (and students) are active researchers, and the program organizes various events, including an annual conference in Washington, D.C. (one of the largest regular events focusing on space law), an annual conference in conjunction with USSTRATCOM (on DoD operational issues relating to space, cyber, and related issues), and an annual conference in Lincoln focusing on telecommunications and cyber issues as they impact the region. We appreciate continued support from the state of Nebraska, the University of Nebraska, our board members, and many of our friends and colleagues across the world.