Remember the case of Jammie Thomas and the RIAA where Jammie got slapped with a $1.92 million dollar jury judgment against her?
Well Jesus Diaz over at Gizmodo did some calculations and found that you would be better off to be a murderer, thief, or child abductor. According to Diaz the money involved breaks down like this:
• 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.
Ms. Thomas’ crime? She supposedly downloaded 1,700 songs.
Some-one please explain to me how in our society that this is anywhere near considered to be just.
