>>than the average software developer?

It is a bigger issue than that..< s >.. And FWIW, having skill as a software developer means squat in this whole issue....

Having an understanding of how to build a business app and how MS may or may not be in violation of US Anti-Trust statutes is a completely different thing all-together.. If it were only that cut and dry, this case would have been over in a matter of weeks.

The fact is, you have slightly more than 100 years worth of case law being applied in a situation where the rules have changed immensely. Further, this is why there is a big need in the legal/legislative community for attorneys and lawmakers that have a good understanding of the technology as well as a fundamental understanding of the business climate. Notice what I did not say - the ability to program. The ability would rank about last on the list of required skills to given an educated opinion in this arena..< s >. Unfortunately, most folks that comment are completely mis-informed about this whole issue. In other words, most folks don't go past the head-lines.

Some suggested reading:

1. Trial on Trust - Richard McKenzie
2. Code and Other Laws of Cyberspace - Lawrence Lessig

If folks really think this case is about IE - and where it is - have totally lost the point. This case is perhaps - the most important one in a long time. It is the stuff that law is made/modified from. It is the stuff that precedents are made of.

By the way, the geek lawyer you refer to is Lawrence Lessig - THE reigning legal authority on law as it applies to both the constitution and the world of technology. If the gov't has only 1 choice for counsel, this is the guy. Put it this way, he earned is JD in 1989. He is a young guy, he has a clue.