Legal Question in Technology Law in Texas

Accessing Corporate Email without Permission

Forgive me if this question has been asked before, but experienced the termination of a contract employee today who OBVIOUSLY accessed their supervisor's email remotely to obtain private email correspondence between coworkers. Is this illegal? And if so, is there a case or written law I can read?

As an at-will contractor, could he bring some unfounded suit for harassment? Well, he could... but how difficult would it be for him to make a case considering his is a contractor who can walk at anytime vs. a part- or full-time employee?


Asked on 1/21/09, 11:10 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Gordon Arnold Arnold & Knobloch L.L.P.

Re: Accessing Corporate Email without Permission

A federal statute on this is the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. There are also strategies in Texas to use also that you should discuss with a Texas lawyer. Likely you are most interested in a preliminary injuction or temporary restraining order, and you need to act quickly for those; don't spend too much time on self-study. You will need the help of a lawyer.

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Answered on 1/22/09, 9:13 am


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