History of Copyright Law
Copyright law was first introduced in the United States in the end of the 1700′s in Article 1 section 8 of the Constitution, although it was not know as copyright at that time. The next advancement was the English Statue of Anne in 1790, and this was the model for the first copyright act. As time went on there were many revisions, starting with the right to create derivative works including translations in 1891, with a extension into international copyright laws in 1951. Since then there have been many more changes to adapt the changes in media, technology, and other advancements. (Warwick)
Even with all of the extensions, there are still many facets not covered by copyright law. These laws do not protect ideas, procedures, processes, or other such objects created by the United States government. In addition there are two exemptions the right to first sale, and fair use; which allows the sale, loan or gift of the material to another person, or copying the material
for the purpose of criticism, teaching, or news reporting. Beyond that there are many items that were produced before copyright, or that copyright has since expired.(Warwick)
Although Copyright laws seem ethical and normal today in our society, it is difficult to determine whether or not they are actually ethical. From a capitalist point of view, there is no doubt that copyright is ethical. However, from a socialist point of view, copyright laws are highly unethical. So without labeling myself as either of the two, as I like to believe that I develop my own conclusions I will conclude that copyrights can not be labeled as either in my mind. As to do so this would require the approval, or disapproval of all the rights. But, if I must choose, I would say unethical, as in my eyes any right or law that prevents the spread of factual information, knowledge, and ideas is unethical, or even enslavement to put it bluntly.
