Why is Copyright Important?

Basically the copyright laws are set-up to promote the creation of new things and ideas. If the laws didn't exist then some people might not be willing to share their ideas and we would have fewer new innovations.

What is the official word?

Our copyright statute has its origins in Article 1, Section 8 of the United States Constitution, which provides that Congress shall have the power "To promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries."

This brief passage not only authorizes our current copyright law, but also clearly states that the primary purpose of intellectual property rights, like copyright, is to promote the growth of knowledge and innovation by providing creators with rights to (and, therefore, incentives to create) their works.

But... I am just borrowing it "a little" for "just one course" and besides I would never get caught.

No matter how you rationalize it to yourself.... you are still stealing. How would you feel if someone stole your car? Even though "ideas" or intellectual capital are not as tangible as a car it can be just as valuable. Think about the person who came up with the CD player or the iPod... if it was you, wouldn't you want people to pay you for your great idea?

So I get caught, how bad can it be?
Individual liability for breaking copyright
Individuals are liable for their own actions. The frequency of copyright holders suing individuals is increasing. They may sue the University too, but that will not insulate the individual who took the action from the full force of a lawsuit.

The penalties are very harsh: the court can award up to $150,000 for each separate act of willful infringement. Willful infringement means that you knew you were infringing (breaking the law) and you did it anyway. Ignorance of the law, though, is no excuse. If you don't know that you are infringing, you still will be liable for damages - only the amount of the award will be affected. And.. after you are done paying the penalties there is always the lawyers fees (see title 17 section)

So is there no way that I can use someone else's stuff?
Even though it seems hopeless, there are some laws and guidelines out there that provide some opportunities for people to use what other people create.