Knipps
08-27-2009, 11:31 PM
Music downloading penalties are harsher than arson, theft, or starting a dogfighting ring
Posted by Cory Doctorow (http://dynamic.boingboing.net/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&blog_id=1&id=1), August 27, 2009 3:29 AM | permalink (http://www.boingboing.net/2009/08/27/music-downloading-pe.html)
Jesus Diaz looks at the $1.92m fine Jammie Thomas faces for downloading 1700 songs and compares it to the penalties for other crimes in America (valuing jail time at $50,233, the median US household income in 2007):
Child abduction: Fine of $25,000 and up to three years in prison, which can be accounted as $50,233 per year (that was the median household income in 2007, probably down because of the economic crisis). Total: $175,699.
Steal the CDs: A total of $275,000, $52,500 fine for the CDs.
Steal a lawnmower from your neighbour: A total of $375,000.
Burn someone's house while playing The Doors: Another $375,000.
Stalk a Gizmodo editor (yes, you know who you are): A Class 4 felony that will result in just $175,000.
Start a dogfighting ring: $50,000.
Murder someone on the second degree, a Class 1 felony: $778,495, which accounts for a $25,000 fine and four to 15 years in prison.
Do we have our priorities in order or what?
Posted by Cory Doctorow (http://dynamic.boingboing.net/cgi-bin/mt/mt-cp.cgi?__mode=view&blog_id=1&id=1), August 27, 2009 3:29 AM | permalink (http://www.boingboing.net/2009/08/27/music-downloading-pe.html)
Jesus Diaz looks at the $1.92m fine Jammie Thomas faces for downloading 1700 songs and compares it to the penalties for other crimes in America (valuing jail time at $50,233, the median US household income in 2007):
Child abduction: Fine of $25,000 and up to three years in prison, which can be accounted as $50,233 per year (that was the median household income in 2007, probably down because of the economic crisis). Total: $175,699.
Steal the CDs: A total of $275,000, $52,500 fine for the CDs.
Steal a lawnmower from your neighbour: A total of $375,000.
Burn someone's house while playing The Doors: Another $375,000.
Stalk a Gizmodo editor (yes, you know who you are): A Class 4 felony that will result in just $175,000.
Start a dogfighting ring: $50,000.
Murder someone on the second degree, a Class 1 felony: $778,495, which accounts for a $25,000 fine and four to 15 years in prison.
Do we have our priorities in order or what?