Problem
Read the scenario and answer the questions. You have been assigned a group project on poetry in your English class. You are working with two other students. James usually doesn't do much work, but you are excited to be working with Sarah, who always seems to do the best work. In your initial meeting to brainstorm about the project, Sarah is true to form and makes a cool plan for the project and presentation. She asks James to find some music and videos on the Internet to use in the presentation. You wonder to yourself if James will pay any attention to copyright when searching for music and video. Then, Sarah asks you to do some background research on a poet, and she will find a poem to use. You become concerned about Sarah wanting to find a poem because the assignment asked you to compose your own poem. Sarah tells you chill out because she knows how to find "stuff" on the Internet and make it look original. "Nobody will ever know!" she exclaims.
• In your opinion, are Sarah and James violating copyright laws? Why or why not?
• Explain the concept of Fair Use.