This is really a roller coaster of a story, which has so many twists and turns and too be honest, very few likeable characters.
The whole story initially revolves around one boy. He is called to his vice principles office and accused of dealing drugs, and is shown a photo, taken from his laptop camera in his bedroom. He immediately informs his parents who start a lawsuit against the school district. The students have been given Laptops by the school to use at home, which includes some security software. Part of it's function is to track the PC in case it is lost or stolen, which is fair enough. But it has the ability to turn on the built in camera and take stills and videos to trace any thieves. But when photos surface of a student asleep in his own bedroom on top of the alleged drug dealing, it goes ballistic. The biggest thing I took from this was that nobody came out of this looking good. The main kid, now in his twenties, comes across as quite obnoxious throughout. The parents courted publicity and chased dollars. The Lawyer, surprise surprise, was the biggest winner, and again, just seemed to stir up controversy for the publicity. The community, at first supportive, then turned on them, then back. The school completely overstepped any boundaries and were very guilty of invasion of privacy. However the actions of those involved and the circus that it became overshadowed any sense of justice or resolution. A fascinating, if frustrating view into the culture and social machinations of well to do America.
