Author(s)

I.J. Lloyd & M.J. Simpson

Abstract

Legal aspects of software quality I.J. Lloyd, M.J. Simpson Centre /or J&aw, Computers a^c Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK I. Introduction The law is a vast topic. Equally, software is used in a vast range of applications. Given these two factors it is not possible, within the confines of a single paper, to offer definitive guidance regarding the totality of legal obligations. The aim of this paper is to identify the major aspects of the law which may affect software producers and users and to map out the major features of the legal environment indicating which features are immutable and which may be shaped to suit its inhabitants' requirements. 2. Forms of Liability 2.1 Criminal Liability The topic of criminal liability need not detain us overlong although its application may occasionally be surprisingly wide. Ignoring the situation where there is deliberate fraud or deceit, three statutes should be mentioned, the Trade Descriptions Act of 1968, the Health and Safety at Work A

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