Re:Posthumously pardon Aaron Swartz
by daeken on Saturday January 12, 2013 @04:11PM
(#5048905)
No. No, no, no, no, no. I will miss Aaron more than I can say -- he was a great guy, an excellent developer, and one hell of an activist -- but a pardon does not do anything valuable. It doesn't bring him back, it doesn't make the world a better place, and most importantly, it doesn't stop this shit from happening in the future. We need to make sure that no one is ever in a position like this again, and make some serious changes. Being exonerated feels great when you're alive, but Aaron won't feel that now; let's follow in his footsteps and make this world a better place.
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No. Prosecutors pay attention to pardons. It's a bit of slap in the face. That's what these prosecutors deserve. A clear sign that they overreached.
Prosecutors also often run for office later in their career (see Elliot Spitzer). They use their conviction history to show how badass they are. These prosecutors need to have the privilege of adding "convicted high-profile hackers" to their resume revoked.
If pardoning isn't appropriate in this case, a simple statement from the president or Department of Justice would be welcome.
Probably unlikely in near term given the possibility that Aaron's family may sue the USA.
Which would be an excellent thing to do.
I disagree. It would provide a formal acknowledgment from our government that it was wrong to prosecute Aaron for his crimes with the severity that it did, and if worded thoughtfully, could establish some limiting precedent for how far future crimes like these should be prosecuted.
It's true that the laws themselves need to change, but I think you're underestimating the impact of a President's words.
Re:Posthumously pardon Aaron Swartz
by lifeformed on Saturday January 12, 2013 @09:40PM
(#5049764)
It's kind of just a formal apology from the government. It's not worth a lot, but it does have some meaning.