Re:Why Am I So Upset About Aaron Swartz's Suicide?
by jeffdavis on Monday January 14, 2013 @11:48AM
(#5055342)
Problems:
* Why is this a Federal crime at all? Because some computer in another state was involved? If so,then soon all crimes will be federal.
* It appears they used mostly catch-all laws. The vague wording is subject to confirmation bias where almost any action looks like a violation. This is a particular problem with laws related to computer use; but also includes laws like "obstruction of justice" and "lying to a federal agent".
* In order to have a "reasonable" sentence on the table at all, he has to give up his right to a trial.
* As far as I can tell, no damage was actually done to anyone yet.
* Since when is violating a TOS a criminal issue? Did we outsource the writing of laws to company legal teams?
* Why is this a Federal crime at all? Because some computer in another state was involved? If so,then soon all crimes will be federal.
* It appears they used mostly catch-all laws. The vague wording is subject to confirmation bias where almost any action looks like a violation. This is a particular problem with laws related to computer use; but also includes laws like "obstruction of justice" and "lying to a federal agent".
* In order to have a "reasonable" sentence on the table at all, he has to give up his right to a trial.
* As far as I can tell, no damage was actually done to anyone yet.
* Since when is violating a TOS a criminal issue? Did we outsource the writing of laws to company legal teams?