http://www.ncsl.org/research/telecommunications-and-informat...
> Hacking is breaking into computer systems, frequently with intentions to alter or modify existing settings. Sometimes malicious in nature, these break-ins may cause damage or disruption to computer systems or networks. People with malevolent intent are often referred to as "crackers"--as in "cracking" into computers.
> "Unauthorized access" entails approaching, trespassing within, communicating with, storing data in, retrieving data from, or otherwise intercepting and changing computer resources without consent. These laws relate to either or both, or any other actions that interfere with computers, systems, programs or networks.
I for one don't want to live in a world where everything is illegal - this hands power to the executive and has been a major source of abuse both past and present.
Say I tell you "DanBC, you're a jerk, you can't access my website anymore". What happens if you visit my website? Are you "using a computer without permission", assuming I own the server?
What is the level of interaction necessary in order for a user to graduate from legally clear to "throw the book at the hacker"?
They can block your IP address, but that's been held up as an example of "how not to implement a service block" enough times already, I think the important bit is above.