Crime in virtual worlds: The limits of criminal law

Virtual worlds such as Second Life are not immune from crime. Their users can misuse their computer skills to damage virtual property or to control avatars of other users. Most of these behaviours fall within the remit of the computer misuse offences, as there is unauthorised access and the unauthorised act of impairing the use of a computer. However, beside these offences, can the criminal law of England and Wales cover a variety of problematic behaviours that can be committed in virtual worlds? This article aims at sketching an outline of the various issues and the possible answers criminal law can or cannot bring, whether we consider the laws that protect property or those related to the person and public order. © 2010 Taylor & Francis.