Decius wrote:

Anyone using counterfeit products who "recklessly causes or attempts to cause death" can be imprisoned for life. During a conference call, Justice Department officials gave the example of a hospital using pirated software instead of paying for it.

This is just bizarre!

If by bizarre you mean outrageous, then yes, I agree.

The headline has a heavy dose of hyperbole, of course, since that life imprisonment is linked to someone causing a death, while using pirated software. That one is more stupid than outrageous since I don't think there's a useful connection.

The other stated amendements are just plain shenanigans. Attempted crime is not the same as committing a crime in all cases, whatever Gonzales says. I'm not saying it's nothing either, but it ain't the same. As for intent to commit a crime, well, seriously, that's just insane.

Some of these punishments are well out of line with reality. It's corporate pandering and transparently so. These assholes aren't even trying to hide it anymore.

RE: Tech news blog - Gonzales proposes life in prison for software pirates