Rutgers Suicide Case Poses Test For NJ Privacy Law

HADDONFIELD, N.J. (AP) — The case of a Rutgers University student who committed suicide after a roommate allegedly used a webcam to spy on his tryst with another man could be the first major legal test of a state privacy law passed in 2003.

Lawyers for the roommate and another student accused of watching 18-year-old Tyler Clementi “making out with a dude” in his dorm room insist their clients were the only two people who saw a tame encounter and did not record it.

The case gained wide attention in September when it was learned that Clementi committed suicide shortly after the alleged viewing.

Legal experts say that even if suspects Dharun Ravi and Molly Wei did not see nudity or sexual contact, it’s possible they could still be found guilty of a crime that can carry an 18-month prison term.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)