The center would investigate infringement of the Economic Espionage Act designed to protect trade secrets, as well as traditional copyright and trademark violations.

CNN: Government sees cyber-attacks as disruption of commerce

But it is darkly humorous to see people who react to one instance of leaking classified information with outraged screeds about the need to apply the espionage act react to another instance of leaking classified information by proceeding to use that same information to argue on behalf of their preferred policy.

FORBES: Who leaked classified information about Russia's role in the Tblisi bombings to the Washington Times?

There is serious talk about charging Assange under the Espionage Act for the release of the diplomatic cables.

FORBES: Wikileaks Can't Wipe Out A Major Bank

Al Halabi was charged with 11 counts of failing to obey a lawful general order or regulation, three counts of aiding the enemy, four counts of espionage, nine counts of making a false statement and five counts that include violations of the Federal Espionage Act.

CNN: Airman charged with espionage at Guantanamo

Convincing a judge in Sweden, which has one of the world's most liberal press-freedom laws, of the virtues of America's Espionage Act may be tricky.

ECONOMIST: An American trial is drawing nearer for Julian Assange

The crime in question would be violating the Espionage Act, the 1917 law that would most likely be the basis for any prosecution of Assange.

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We can recall only a single such prosecution of a journalist under the Espionage Act in 95 years.

WSJ: Review & Outlook: A Journalist 'Co-Conspirator'

Drake pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of exceeding his authorized use of an agency computer after authorities dropped the most serious charges -- including some under the Espionage Act -- against him.

CNN: Toobin: Obama has been 'very tough' on leakers