This document suggests some background resources to introduce you to the discussion. DVD Copy Control Assoc. In August 2000, Judge Lewis Kaplan issued a permanent injunction in Universal v. Reimerdes , barring 2600 Magazine from posting or linking to DeCSS code. 2600 has appealed that decision to the Second Circuit, where oral argument will be held May 1, 2001. The plaintiff movie studios claim that DeCSS illegally circumvents DVD access controls, while the defense challenges the studios' assertion of an absolute right to control the manner in which movies are played, arguing that DeCSS enables fair use of DVD media and facilitates the playing of movies on unsupported operating systems.
Defendants also assert that the code itself is speech that demands First Amendment protection.
The dvd-discuss FAQ gives a good overview of where the discussion has been so far, and what questions are answered or still outstanding. Finally, one outline of potential defenses and challenges to section 1201. The most effective way to jump in on the DMCA claims would be to read the complaints, Kaplan's order, section 1201 of the DMCA, and the list FAQ, then add your own arguments or challenge the ones we have.