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0 pointsanalog13y ago0 comments

"imagine he had downloaded loosely protected private emails or credit card account lists"

Respectfully I don't think that's a great argument. That what he did is in the public interest (imo) is central to the issue. You can't just ignore that.

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mpyne13y ago

That's more of a factor for the sentencing phase of a trial (a "mitigating" factor to be considered when adjudging a proper sentence).

What you propose is vigilante justice (though without the violence we normally ascribe to it) and though I too am often sympathetic to that, the legal system is not (and we as a society have chosen that on purpose).

analogOP13y ago

I don't think I am proposing vigilante justice, are you confusing comments here perhaps?

The intent is absolutely a factor at the decision to prosecute stage.

You're trying to equate an act in the public interest (freeing academic information), with an act with clear criminal intent (credit card fraud). They simply aren't treated the same way and nor should they be.

rada13y ago

I read your comment as essentially advocating vigilante justice as well. If you are not saying "we are free to steal if we think it's for the public good", then what are you saying?

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