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Alleged eBay Hacker Goofs up and Goes to Jail

juliao writes "SecurityFocus is reporting that alleged eBay hacker Jerome Heckenkamp was jailed after his first solo court appearance." It's pretty funny actually, stuff like challenging the indictment on the grounds that they typed his name in all capital letters, demanding to immediately testify (even tho they were only there to schedule the trial), threatening the judge and so on. He would know better if he watched a couple episodes of Law & Order. Note that I base all court proceedings on the wisdom of Sam Watterston.

655 comments

  1. Mind-Altering Substances? by jeek · · Score: 3, Insightful

    I seriously doubt anyone is stupid enough to pull those kinda tricks when their mind is clear.

    --
    If you want to be seen, stand up. If you want to be heard, speak up. If you want to be respected, sit down and shut up.
    1. Re:Mind-Altering Substances? by Alien54 · · Score: 2
      I seriously doubt anyone is stupid enough to pull those kinda tricks when their mind is clear.

      He is probably trying to be too clever by half. Sounds like he is trying to apply elite hacker techniques to the legal system. And screwing up.

      when you are hacking a system, mistakes like that are not going to any great harm, usually "access denied" or something like that.

      hmmmm, never mind, he is in court because of hacking, anyhow. Maybe he is not so smart after all. maybe a slight bit of idiot savant.

      Speaking of mind altering substances, the only one I know of who definitely less smart is this guy, who is currently facing a pakistani jail sentence.

      --
      "It is a greater offense to steal men's labor, than their clothes"
    2. Re:Mind-Altering Substances? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Maybe he wants to convince the courts that he's too dumb to have perpetrated these crimes? Who would believe that *this* guy hacked E-bay? That is, of course, relying on the popular misconception that it requires intelligence to hack things, however...

    3. Re:Mind-Altering Substances? by Zeinfeld · · Score: 2
      I seriously doubt anyone is stupid enough to pull those kinda tricks when their mind is clear.

      Actually it is the sort of defense that someone tries because they are too clever by half rather than because they are stoned.

      The basic problem is that he thinks that the court is like a computer system and he can fool it by literalist interpretation of rules. That is how a lot of hackers work, they work out the rules and they attempt to manipulate them.

      In fact the law at its best does not mindlessly enforce rules, it looks for the justice behind the rules. If you go to a judge and say 'my name is spelt wrong' the issue that the judge cares about is whether you are the person referred to in the document, not whether the spelling is correct. It is possible that in some circumstances the issue might be genuinely important, for example there really is a case of mistaken identity.

      As far as hacker behavior goes it is not at all unusual for someone to think that they are the only smart person and everyone else is stupid. It is also not unusual for hackers to think that they have the right to protection by the courts while being imune to any action the court might find against them.

      --
      Looking for an Information Security student project suggestion?
      Try http://dotcrimeManifesto.com/
    4. Re:Mind-Altering Substances? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      When I first read this story, I thought "either this guy is trying to go the insanity route, or he is a Scientologist. It's so difficult to tell the difference these days."

  2. slashdot not above bad grammer either by bsDaemon · · Score: 1, Offtopic

    There is only one of him, therefore the "Hackers" can't "goofs" up.
    Never mind. It's not like this is an arrest warrant.

    1. Re:slashdot not above bad grammer either by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Offtopic

      Not to mention that "they were only their"

    2. Re:slashdot not above bad grammer either by Robert+Speirs · · Score: 0, Offtopic

      "grammer"?? Consult the Underground Grammarian to see why it matters that a website devoted to complex technical subjects have the wit to use a spell-checker, or to find contributors who have read enough English to know the shape of common words. How many Slashdot readers would tolerate such sloppiness in their computer programs? Why then do they seem ashamed to condemn it in the language which communicates important technical developments?

    3. Re:slashdot not above bad grammer either by rifter · · Score: 1

      Hacker goofs

      Hackers goof

      Seems to be correct grammar to me...

    4. Re:slashdot not above bad grammer either by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Actually, unified grammar and spelling made their appearance in English in the late 17th century, with the first dictionaries, and therefore had been around for almost 100 years before the American revolution. Granted, universal public schooling did not start until the 19th century, so one might argue the common vehicle was not in place, but primers and dictionaries were certainly available.

  3. excerpt by Milkyman · · Score: 0, Redundant

    "Ware explained that the United States was the plaintiff, and was represented by assistant U.S. attorney Ross Nadel. Heckenkamp said he wanted to subpoena Nadel's "client" to appear in court, and Ware asked him who, exactly, he wanted to bring into the courtroom.

    When Heckenkamp replied, "The United States of America," Ware ordered him taken into custody. "
    haha i wish i was there

  4. what a moron by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    what more can you say about the guy? Obviously he did it!

  5. i've been swindled by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    challanging the indictment on the ground that they typed his name in all capital letters

    You mean internet rules are mere suggestions? WELL FUCK OFF THEN!

  6. Funny article by Anixamander · · Score: 5, Funny

    Sounds like this kid is in way over his head, and maybe watched a few too many movies.

    Plus, you can tell he is a UNIX geek, since he seems to think the indictment is case sensitive.

    --
    Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball(TM)
    1. Re:Funny article by ptrourke · · Score: 3, Funny

      Plus, you can tell he is a UNIX geek, since he seems to think the indictment is case sensitive.

      HIHLUC: Head-in-hands, laughing-uncontrollably.

      Anyway, you know what they say, that anyone who appears pro se has an idiot for a client.

    2. Re:Funny article by bteeter · · Score: 1
      So true. He really shouldn't try to piss off the judge. That is not going to help is case. Neither is looking like a smart ass in front of the jury...

      Brian
      --
      Linux Web Hosting, By Geeks, For Geeks
      --


    3. Re:Funny article by hawk · · Score: 2
      >He really shouldn't try to piss off the judge.


      This *is*, of course, the first rule of litigation . . .


      hawk, esq.

    4. Re:Funny article by ZoobieWa · · Score: 1

      I say props to this kid for having the courage to look the justice system and his future in the face and laugh at it. Why does everyone HAVE to play the psycho circus game of the legal system. It will probably screw him, but I have more respect for this guy, than all the other people that hide behind layers of lawyers and technicalities.

    5. Re:Funny article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Unix geek or C coder.

    6. Re:Funny article by mr100percent · · Score: 1

      Be a little less cynical when you walk in there, and you'll get years taken off, instead of added on to your sentence.

    7. Re:Funny article by g1zmo · · Score: 1

      I'd always heard it differently:

      Anyone who represents themself in court has an idiot for a lawer.

      --
      I have found there are just two ways to go.
      It all comes down to livin' fast or dyin' slow.
      -REK, Jr.
  7. I weep for the future by AlexDeGruven · · Score: 2, Interesting
    I shudder at the complete lack of true intelligence this person appears to have. At the very lease, a modicum of knowledge about the legal system and the way it works probably would have saved him a large amount of problems. But, he proceeded to go into the courtroom with a verbal loaded gun and empty it's entire contents directly into his foot.

    And this is someone who's supposed to be considered intelligent?

    --
    Randal Graves says: I'm a firm believer in the philosophy of a ruling class... Especially since I rule.
    1. Re:I weep for the future by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You don't have to be intelligent to be a script kid. In fact, you don't really even have to know how the script works to be a script kid. The mistake that too many people make is that you have to be a computer genius in order to do the things he did.

    2. Re:I weep for the future by Garfunkel · · Score: 2, Interesting

      I'm not sure that intelligence has anything to do with it. I think it's more of an issue of not really caring what's happening, or maybe just not understanding. Who knows, the guy is obviously a nut, but that doesn't mean he can't be a computer genious at the same time. (Note, that I can't say for sure whether he is a geniour or not, but he surely makes some bad decisions, but even intelligent people make bad life decisions).

      --
      -jay
    3. Re:I weep for the future by Like2Byte · · Score: 1

      Some poeple are so far from removed from society that they don't know society works but know how everything else works. Therefore, in their mind, they arn't acting foolish or crazy. They're 'winging it' again. Learning, if you will. Albeit the hard way!

    4. Re:I weep for the future by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative
      You don't have to be intelligent to be a script kid.

      Script kid? Do we have to call him a script kid? Is it really that hard to believe that an intelligent computer expert could also be a crackpot?

      Let's look at the facts. Heckenkamp graduated from college at age 18. He received his masters degree in computer science at age 20. He was subseqently employed by Los Alamos National Labs and was hired to teach programming at the University of New Mexico. Doesn't sound like a script kiddie.

      What it does sound like is mental illness. He seems extremely literal minded, incapable of recognizing social hierarchies or understanding other people's motivations (which is why he can't seem to form an persuasive argument in court). These traits are somewhat common amongst hardcore computer programmers, just carried out to an extreme in his case.

    5. Re:I weep for the future by vlag · · Score: 1

      Some people are so far removed that they write words like "genious". Of course, the right word would be genius. For more great tips on spelling, try clicking here.

      --
      Do you want to remove linux?
    6. Re:I weep for the future by Garfunkel · · Score: 0, Offtopic

      Some people also type fast without checking or worrying about spelling and post without previewing. Some people also really don't care about using 100% perfect spelling as long as the point gets across correctly.

      --
      -jay
    7. Re:I weep for the future by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      ...but that doesn't mean he can't be a computer genious at the same time. (Note, that I can't say for sure whether he is a geniour or not...

      Looks like you can't say for sure how to spell genius either ;)

    8. Re:I weep for the future by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I'm concerned with the future being filled with people who cannot form grammatically-correct sentences, or people who use words that do not make sense in said sentences.

    9. Re:I weep for the future by junklight · · Score: 1

      >What it does sound like is mental illness.

      That was my reaction upon reading this...

      mark

    10. Re:I weep for the future by Kintanon · · Score: 2

      I have to agree, he has a mental disconnect somewhere. Possibly he doesn't feel apathy for the people around him, it's also likely that over the years of dealing with people who are far dumber than he is he's developed an overblown superiority complex (as opposed to the normal healthy superiority complex the rest of us slashdotters have) and no longer cares which of us meaningless drones suffers from his actions.
      Alternately he may be tired of society and work and the constant grind and have decided that going to prison is easier than dealing with regular life. A little cash can buy off your cellmate and a few other big burly guys to keep people from fucking with you and this guy probably has plenty of money and can get more.
      He may feel more comfortable within a closed social setting as opposed to the more chaotic nature of normal social interactions.

      Kintanon

      --
      Check out JoshJitsu.info for Brazilian Ji
    11. Re:I weep for the future by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I fail to see how this is a troll.

    12. Re:I weep for the future by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Seems to me that he could be pulling a clever charade in order to be discharged as "insane".

      It's also possible that as far as being incapable of recognizing social hierarchies, maybe it's not so much that he's incapable, but rather unwilling to respect the social tree.

    13. Re:I weep for the future by Rasvar · · Score: 2

      And this is someone who's supposed to be considered intelligent?

      Intelligence has nothing to do with this. this is simply a case of a kid (yes, at 22 acting like this, still a kid) with no common sense. Something that is becoming more and more common these days. No one wants to take responisibility for anything. The father is an idiot in this case.

      Maybe I am wrong. Maybe there is no more common sense. What use to be common is now uncommon. This is a case of being smart but not being taught how to use it.

    14. Re:I weep for the future by decoydog · · Score: 1

      Not only an overblown superiority complex but couple that with a stifled social life. Finished college by 18? Probably spent most of his childhood around people older than him. Not the best way to develop social skills.

    15. Re:I weep for the future by jluster · · Score: 1

      There's not much evidence, Heckenkamp is actually intelligent in the sense that he is able to deduce facts from information flow. It is however pretty clear that he is a good learner, again in the sense that he memorizes what he reads. Genius and Madness lie close, especially in a situation like this where said genius is literally cut off from his livelyhood and most beloved toy - the computer. Wether or not the carges agains him are correct and wether or not he displayed kind of a strange behavior in court this week, Heckenkamp is not stupid. If he was indeed MagicFX, he must be, however as negligent as this court appearance paints him, intelligent people do not keep records of owned machines and past cracks unencrypted on their harddisk.

    16. Re:I weep for the future by jluster · · Score: 1

      > The father is an idiot in this case.

      Not neccesarily. The father is first and foremost a father, someone who - mostly irrationally, I agree, tries to protect his son and would not see anything wrong with his kid if it jumped in his face and bit him.

    17. Re:I weep for the future by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      He was subseqently employed by Los Alamos National Labs

      ...this is obviously false, since LANL currently has an affirmative action program that only allows them to hire Chinese spies.

    18. Re:I weep for the future by onepoint · · Score: 1

      >>No one wants to take responisibility for anything.

      thank you for saying it out loud. Nobody seems to care about the results of thier actions.

      People were I live are very much like this person. Thinking that they are always correct and could give 2 sh*t about the effects. Lately I've figured out how to fight them, Video tape and submision to the local police enforcement. It's been working, I no longer have people drag racing on my street as much. ( we have a park in the center and there are a ton of kids playing )

      Onepoint

      --
      if you see me, smile and say hello.
    19. Re:I weep for the future by CaseStudy · · Score: 2

      When did common sense stop being a part of intelligence? There's more to being smart than your SAT math score.

    20. Re:I weep for the future by klui · · Score: 1

      If he's as intelligent as you say he is maybe he's faking it so that it appears he's mentally ill.

    21. Re:I weep for the future by shyster · · Score: 2
      Nobody seems to care about the results of their actions. People were I live are very much like this person. Thinking that they are always correct and could give 2 sh*t about the effects. Lately I've figured out how to fight them, Video tape and submision to the local police enforcement. It's been working, I no longer have people drag racing on my street as much. ( we have a park in the center and there are a ton of kids playing )

      Actually, one of the biggest problems is that people are no longer able to take responsibility for their actions because the government (read:well intentioned liberals) try to outlaw things that might lead to a crime! Such as your drag-racing example. Did any of the people you video taped harm anybody? Did they hit the kids? Or do you just think they might hit the kids?

      If they hit the kid, then fine, lock them up and throw away the key. Or execute them on the fact that they willfully endangered human life. But no, instead, you videtape them drag racing and maybe they get a speeding ticket (depending on your state's laws about an officer witnessing the crime). And then they're off to drag race in somebody else's neighborhood. You didn't solve the problem, you simply moved it.

      Instead of legislating and criminalizing actions that may or may not lead to an actual crime (read: a crime with a victim), how about we just appropiately, swiftly, and mercilessly apply justice to people who have done wrong?

      That would be taking responsibility for actions.

    22. Re:I weep for the future by Inthewire · · Score: 1

      Possibly he doesn't feel apathy for the people around him
      Please tell me you meant empathy and not apathy

      --


      Writers imply. Readers infer.
    23. Re:I weep for the future by Inthewire · · Score: 1

      Or do you just think they might hit the kids?

      Wow. Tell me where you live. I wanna sit outside your house on the hood of my car. stroking my shotgun. I'd like to point it at you every time you poke your head out. Because I'm not hurting anybody. Sure, I might kill you, but I haven't, so it must be ok.

      --


      Writers imply. Readers infer.
  8. Ouch.. by niftyeric · · Score: 2, Informative

    Heckenkamp had been free on $50,000 bail, and living under electronic monitoring -- prohibited by court order from using cell phones, the Internet, computers, video games and fax machines.

    Do I really need to say more? :P
    Ah well, he shouldn't have been so stupid I guess.

    --
    proton != antielectron
  9. There's an old saying by Piers+Cawley · · Score: 1, Redundant
    A man who represents himself in court has a fool for a client.
    Looks like this isn't going to be the exception that proves the rule.
    1. Re:There's an old saying by pokeyburro · · Score: 1

      Looks like this isn't going to be the exception that proves the rule.

      Looks like it's not going to be the exception that disproves it, either...

      --
      Lately democracy seems to be based on the skybox, the Happy Meal box, the X-box, and the idiot box.
    2. Re:There's an old saying by Piers+Cawley · · Score: 1

      That's proves in the sense of 'tests'.

      Well, that's my excuse. And I'm sticking to it.

    3. Re:There's an old saying by joranbelar · · Score: 1
      Which is, of course, wrong.

      Read the alt.usage.english FAQ

      (sorry for off-topicness)

  10. Proves the old legal maxim by gowen · · Score: 0, Redundant

    "Anyone who defends themselves has a fool for a client".

    Man, I'll enjoy watching this arrogant little twat get his comeuppance.

    --
    Athletic Scholarships to universities make as much sense as academic scholarships to sports teams.
  11. A fool for a client by dubstop · · Score: 0, Redundant

    "Anyone who represents himself, has a fool for a client."

    I can't remember who said it, but it seems appropriate in this case. What an idiot.

    1. Re:A fool for a client by Madduck · · Score: 3, Informative

      According to the Quotable Lawyer, edited by David Shrager and Elizabeth
      Frost, New England Publishing Associates, Inc., 1986, p. 49, that saying is
      a proverb apparently so old that its original author is not known. They
      quote it as, "He that is his own lawyer has a fool for a client." They cite
      Rosalind Fergusson, The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs, 1983.

    2. Re:A fool for a client by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I can't remember who said it

      That would be the two posts immediately preceeding yours :o)

  12. Simply Sad by RembrandtX · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Not only is it sad that this kid was able to get rid of his council (twice) .. but he is ovbiously either REALLY moronic ..

    or he is going for an insaniy plea ..

    he did manage to menauver the judge into saying :
    "The comments that you are making to the court lead me to suspect that either you are playing games with the court, or you're experiencing a serious lack of judgment."

    its only a hop skip and a jump from there to have the judge decide that he ALWAYS shows a lack of judgement, and its a medical condition.

    he will have to take lithium forever, but at least he wont do hard time. (again)

    --

    --Ne auderis delere orbem rigidum meum, non erravi pernicose!
    1. Re:Simply Sad by MaxVlast · · Score: 1

      Or he could be setting himself up for an 'inadequate counsel' appeal. I'm sure the judge is sufficiently wary, though.

      --
      There should be a moratorium on the use of the apostrophe.
      Max V.
      NeXTMail/MIME Mail welcome
    2. Re:Simply Sad by XSforMe · · Score: 1
      Not only is it sad that this kid was able to get rid of his council (twice) .. but he is ovbiously either REALLY moronic ..

      22 years old... he is no longer a kid.

      I would definetly agree with the judge here. He is experiencing a serious lack of judgement.

      --
      My other OS is the MCP!
    3. Re:Simply Sad by nanoakron · · Score: 1

      Lithium is mainly used as a mood stabiliser in manic depressives (bipolar disorder)

      It's a bit more likely that he'd be diagnosed with a delusional state and be put on some serious neuroleptics (antipsychotics) for his troubles.

      This is not necessarily better than hard time - imagine living with drug-induced Parkinsonism for the rest of your life...nice!

      -Nano.

    4. Re:Simply Sad by foobar104 · · Score: 2

      I'm pretty sure that waiving your right to counsel invalidates any subsequent claim to inadequate counsel. If the judge didn't believe that this kid understood the consequences of self-representation without legal advice, he wouldn't have allowed the kid to waive his right. Once that happened, though, it was all over from a legal standpoint.

      Unless there's an appeal a-cookin', of course.

    5. Re:Simply Sad by MaxVlast · · Score: 1

      It happened in an episode of Law&Order. :) That's no gold standard, but it's about all I know of the law.

      --
      There should be a moratorium on the use of the apostrophe.
      Max V.
      NeXTMail/MIME Mail welcome
    6. Re:Simply Sad by hawk · · Score: 2
      yes, but the judge also has the power/duty to appoint counsel if it becomes clear that the defendant is unable perform the duties properly.


      hawk, esq.

    7. Re:Simply Sad by poot_rootbeer · · Score: 1


      Um, since when are judges able to prescribe lithium?

    8. Re:Simply Sad by Rakarra · · Score: 1
      its only a hop skip and a jump from there to have the judge decide that he ALWAYS shows a lack of judgement, and its a medical condition.

      Andrea Yates's defense couldn't convince the court enough that she was insane, at least enough to save her. I somehow doubt "Sk8" will fare better than her.

  13. wait, by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    so does this mean the world is case-sensitive or doesn't it.

  14. Sam Waterston was good... by Consul · · Score: 1

    But I liked Michael Moriarty much better. :o)

    Not much to say about that hacker, though. So we'll just let stupidity speack for itself.

    --

    -----

    "You spilled my egg... I needed that egg."

    1. Re:Sam Waterston was good... by ackthpt · · Score: 2, Funny
      What he really needs is a lawyer to calmly take him aside, explain the seriousness of the charges, the court procedure, the difficult position he places himself in, what's likely to happen to him if he goes to prison, and then deck him when he says, "But I still want to subpoena The United States of America"

      Honestly, the boy is way overdue for some reality.

      --

      A feeling of having made the same mistake before: Deja Foobar
  15. Sam Watterson? by TheGreenLantern · · Score: 5, Funny

    Note that I base all court proceedings on the wisdom of Sam Watterson.

    Heathen. Michael Moriarty would lawyer the fuck out of Sam Watterson. All Watterson has going for him is hotter assistants.

    --

    It hurts when I pee.
    1. Re:Sam Watterson? by GafTheHorseInTears · · Score: 0

      All Watterson has going for him is hotter assistants.

      No kidding - I'd fuck the lawyer out of Jill Hennessy any time.

      --
      "You're just scared like a little white pussy. I'll fuck you till you love me, you faggot!"
    2. Re:Sam Watterson? by TheGreenLantern · · Score: 2

      Did she spill into the Watterson era? I was thinking more of Angie Harmon, and that cute little Scandinavian blonde they've got on now.

      --

      It hurts when I pee.
    3. Re:Sam Watterson? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      That's not Angie Harmon. Angie was that tall dark-haired woman with the 1-pack-a-day voice that preceded the blonde.

    4. Re:Sam Watterson? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      it has long been a dream of mine to die by being stripped naked, dipped in honey, and then thrown to a ravenous jill hennessy. no, really.

    5. Re:Sam Watterson? by _J_ · · Score: 1

      Jill Hennessy was the best ADA by far. And the best looking, IMHO.

      Alas, the show is a pale version of what it once was. Moriarty's moral rectitude was something to behold.

      J:)

    6. Re:Sam Watterson? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      None of them were hotter than Jamie Ross, played by Carey Lowell. Carey Lowell was a Bond Girl you know.

    7. Re:Sam Watterson? by shatteredpottery · · Score: 2, Informative
      Agreed. Jill H. was the best. FWIW, I just read in the paper a couple of days ago that Michael Moriarty lives in Vancouver, Canada. Short version, from memory, so there will be some inaccuracies:

      He moved to Canada a few years ago. His alcoholism got out of control. In the meantime, he managed to legally immigrate. Then he sobered up, moved to (I think) Alberta, where he was going to run for parliament.

      Somehow, that didn't work out. So he moved to Vancouver with his wife (?). He fell off the wagon again, got tossed in jail for domestic assault (he started screaming at her and slapped her in a restaurant).

      She didn't press charges, but they're still thinking about prosecuting anyway. In the meantime, he's living in a trailer (or traileresque home, hard to tell from the newspaper picture). Apparently he doesn't do much but come into Vancouver to drink and fight. Some guys even beat him up a few weeks back, jumped him when he was leaving a bar. Put him in the hospital.

      By most accounts, he's actually quite similar in personality to his character on Law & Order. He seems to have a lot of friends who will speak up/look out for him, so I suspect, as always, there's more to the story than what one reads in the paper.

      --

      A witty saying is worth nothing - Voltaire

    8. Re:Sam Watterson? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      How is this even remotely "Insightful"? What a waste of space!

    9. Re:Sam Watterson? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Moriarty lived in Halifax for a while. I have run into him a few times. The first time, before I was "formally introduced" I saw him making an ass of himself in front of the Public Library on Spring Garden Road. He then proceeded to vomit on our statue of Winston Churchill.

      He also frequented a restaurant I know and was removed (ever so politely) on numerous occassions. His name is notorious in the bar/restaurant business here in Halifax.

      I'm actually pleased to have run across him in my life. He served as a warning of what can happen if you let yourself get out of control.

      -- Posting anonymously so as not to get sued...

    10. Re:Sam Watterson? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Jill Hennessy... yum.

    11. Re:Sam Watterson? by L-Train8 · · Score: 1

      All Watterson has going for him is hotter assistants

      You say that like it's not an important thing.
      By the way, the hottest ADA has got to be Carey Lowell as Jamie Ross. She was even a Bond girl once.

      --

      Don't forget that Friday is Hawaiian shirt day.
    12. Re:Sam Watterson? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Heathen. Michael Moriarty would lawyer the fuck out of Sam Watterson. All Watterson has going for him is hotter assistants.

      Hotter? Not hot, but hotter? So you're saying you found Paul Robinette hot? Not that there's anything wrong with that... :)

    13. Re:Sam Watterson? by ColGraff · · Score: 2

      "All he has going for him is hotter assistants."

      Not true, really. Hennessy was on the show with Moriarty as well as Watterson, and she is beyond a doubt the hottest ADA ever on the show.

      --
      I'm the stranger...posting to /.
    14. Re:Sam Watterson? by cojonesdetoro · · Score: 1

      I like that weird litle dude with the squeaky nose on Ally MacBeal.... or DareDevil... DareDevil can kick ass any lawyers he can't out-lawyer. http://www.marvel.com/comics/bios/bio_daredevil.ht m

    15. Re:Sam Watterson? by TheGreenLantern · · Score: 2

      Yeah, I forgot about her. Well hell, might as well do a ranking since it's gone this far:

      1. Angie Harmon (it's the voice)
      2. Jill Hennessey (not so much now, but she was the bomb back in the day)
      3. The current Blonde (don't know her name offhand, but she's magma-hot. Got that whole Scandinavian elf-thing going).
      4. Carey Lowell

      Just my opinion, feel free to disagree. All I know is that this is one Playboy pictorial spread that is long overdue.

      --

      It hurts when I pee.
    16. Re:Sam Watterson? by cojonesdetoro · · Score: 1

      See here: http://www.geocities.com/jillhennessy/ Good site for insight into a hot babe!

    17. Re:Sam Watterson? by Communomancer · · Score: 1

      Ahem. She's not _even_ in Carey Lowell's league, dude.

      Was Hennesey ever a James Bond girl? No? 'Nuff said.

      --
      "UNIX" is never having to say you're sorry.
    18. Re:Sam Watterson? by haystor · · Score: 1

      Yea, but she's got a twin.

      --
      t
    19. Re:Sam Watterson? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Sister?!? She has a sister? ... If Jill will not date me then perhaps she will.

    20. Re:Sam Watterson? by Wildcat+J · · Score: 1
      Sorry, but I have to disagree. At least Jill Hennessy's eyes point the same way. ;)

      -J

    21. Re:Sam Watterson? by ImaLamer · · Score: 2
      Well,.... don't forget your robot insurance.

      Because they will come for you someday.

    22. Re:Sam Watterson? by saforrest · · Score: 1
      Then he sobered up, moved to (I think) Alberta, where he was going to run for parliament.

      I didn't believe this until I looked it up myself. God damn! Moriarty is a Stockwell Day supporter!

      I can't believe he thinks that Stockwell Day is Canada's answer to Mario Cuomo. That's one of the most ridiculous comparisons since Quayle's Kennedy comment.

    23. Re:Sam Watterson? by Vainglorious+Coward · · Score: 1
      Then he sobered up, moved to (I think) Alberta, where he was going to run for parliament...Somehow, that didn't work out

      Well no wonder it didn't work out - you don't get far in Albertan politics by being sober

      --
      My next sig will be ready soon, but subscribers can beat the rush
    24. Re:Sam Watterson? by josquint · · Score: 2

      ... and Hennessy was WAY hotter when she was younger with Moriarty... I never missed an episode with her in it... the other ADA's you can have!

      Although, i'd hafta say, I liked Sam better than Moriarty...

    25. Re:Sam Watterson? by Pope · · Score: 1

      Jacqueline Hennessy was at my friend's wedding, and I have her email address. Jill and my pal Stacey worked together at Lime Rickey's at the Eatons Centre.

      I think I just might rule.

      --
      It doesn't mean much now, it's built for the future.
  16. Hmmmm??? by BoyPlankton · · Score: 3, Interesting

    In a telephone interview after the appearance, Heckenkamp's father, Thomas Heckenkamp, said his son is only trying to protect his rights . "They've overstepped their bounds, and they're keeping him from defending himself," he said.

    I wish the article went into more detail about this statement. I don't understand why the father feels that they are keeping him from being able to defend himself. He's getting his day in court and all. It appears to me that he's doing everything he can to screw up the trial instead of taking it seriously.

    1. Re:Hmmmm??? by daoine · · Score: 1
      I think the apple didn't necessarily fall far from the tree...

      An older article from the Washington Post (back when he fired his first lawyer) doesn't show his dad in the most intelligent of lights either.

      I think it's more of a case of hid dad having a blind belief that Heckenkamp didn't do it, and everything that comes out of the mouth relates to that...

    2. Re:Hmmmm??? by Grunschev · · Score: 1

      I wondered what his father was babbling about myself. I can only assume it has something to do with him being...

      prohibited by court order from using cell phones, the Internet, computers, video games and fax machines.

      And now being back in jail, of course. Because everybody knows you can't defend yourself without cell phones and the internet, especially when you're in jail. Right? Just don't tell them the first thing they should do is hire competent counsel.

      Igor

  17. The Judge was right. by pcwhalen · · Score: 1

    Those 2 attorneys had a lucky day when they got fired. But the acorn doesn't fall far from the oak; the kids father said they were restraining his right to defend himself. Sheesh. Nutjob.

    --
    Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain with all your metadata.
  18. He's got a point, you know by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Using all caps is like SHOUTING.

    Seroiusly, what a dumbass. I hope he gets the maximum penalty.

    1. Re:He's got a point, you know by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I hope he gets the needle!

  19. All I can say is... by kryzx · · Score: 1, Insightful

    What a freaking dork.
    After behaving like that, he deserves whatever he gets.

    --
    "I don't know half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve."
    1. Re:All I can say is... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I hope he gets the needle!!

    2. Re:All I can say is... by binner1 · · Score: 1

      Agreed. This guy sounds more like a 13 year old PFY than a 22 year old young adult. Should have spent some time working on the social skills a bit more.

      Obnoxious.

      -Ben

    3. Re:All I can say is... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      After behaving like that, he deserves whatever he gets.

      Unfortunately, a "fair trial" does not seem to be one of the most likely things.

      If you read the article, you see that he is simply protesting beeing prosecuted by something that doesn't exists outside people's heads. (The 'Unites States' is a definition).

    4. Re:All I can say is... by fscking_coward_2001 · · Score: 1

      ... the 'Unites States' is a definition.

      IANAL, but I believe that the United States is a legal entity as well as a 'definition'.

      The kid seems to have read up on legal defense tactics from the books by tax protesters. May not have been the smartest thing to do...

    5. Re:All I can say is... by connorbd · · Score: 2

      What I find hilarious about tax protestors is that they keep fighting even though pretty much every one of their arguments have been declared de jure bullshit (not just de facto). This kid does remind me of them.

      /Brian

  20. Re:A defendant who represents himself... by RembrandtX · · Score: 2

    he already did .. twice

    "It was the second time Heckenkamp fired his lawyers -- in January, he had a federal magistrate appoint him as his own counsel, only to change his mind the same day. "

    *tries to bite back comment about READING the articles*

    --

    --Ne auderis delere orbem rigidum meum, non erravi pernicose!
  21. learn grammar by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
    even tho they were only their to schedule the trial


    their (adjective): of or relating to them or themselves especially as possessors, agents, or objects of an action
    there (adverb): to or into that place
  22. That will make the judge go easier on you by Spit_Fire1 · · Score: 1

    I will hold you personally liable," he said. "I will seek damages for every hour that I'm in custody."
    This made a good impression i'm sure.

    --

    "The secret of success is to know something nobody else knows." -Aristotle Onassis
    1. Re:That will make the judge go easier on you by DimitryP · · Score: 1

      yeah, threatening a federal judge is a great way to get contempt charges added to the list.

      --
      Guns are like umbrellas and condoms. Better to have one and not need it, than need it and not have one.
    2. Re:That will make the judge go easier on you by IsaacW · · Score: 1
      I will hold you personally liable," he said. "I will seek damages for every hour that I'm in custody.
      So... he's going to demand that he be charged with breaking into all the computers he COULD have compromised while he was in jail?
    3. Re:That will make the judge go easier on you by renehollan · · Score: 3, Interesting
      I, for one think that judges should be personally liable when they err, particularly when it causes suffering to parties wrongly convicted and those that depend on them (for income, etc.). Just what the punishment for judicial error should be is a matter for debate, of course, and honest mistakes should not be treated as harshly as gross negligence, but the idea that judges are somehow not answerable to the law, or not answerable enough bothers me.

      Whether that's the case here is, of course, another story, but I've become increasingly distrustful of government and law "enforcement".

      I am a vocal critic of abuses of state power, engage in minor civil disobedience myself (I used a deCSS-derived program to watch DVDs that I bought on a GNU/Linux computer because I neither want to spend the money on Windows® nor trust it to be spyware-free), and fully expect to wind up in prison someday for my thoughts, when I see crap like this. I can not just shut up and live a lie.

      If anything should have the t's crossed and the i's dotted, it's the criminal justice process, from investigation, arrest, prosecution, to conviction. The defendants apparent folly in angering the judge does not change this.

      --
      You could've hired me.
    4. Re:That will make the judge go easier on you by general_re · · Score: 4, Funny
      I am a vocal critic of abuses of state power, engage in minor civil disobedience myself (I used a deCSS-derived program to watch DVDs that I bought on a GNU/Linux computer because I neither want to spend the money on Windows? nor trust it to be spyware-free)

      And if that doesn't bring down the system, nothing will, dammit. Go, free radical, go! ;)

      --
      ABSURDITY, n.: A statement or belief manifestly inconsistent with one's own opinion.
    5. Re:That will make the judge go easier on you by renehollan · · Score: 2
      The "system" isn't all that bad. Systems aren't evil... people are.

      And, while some systems are more susceptible to corruption than others, it is ultimately people that have to be held accountable for what they do... ALL people.

      Also, please do not cheer me, for my efforts are nothing without others doing as I do.

      --
      You could've hired me.
    6. Re:That will make the judge go easier on you by qaggaz · · Score: 1
      This is absurd. I agree that law enforcement officers should be held responsible when they abuse their authority. On the other hand, in order to ensure that both sides get a fair trail, it is essential that all involved respect the authority of the court. Questioning the typographical conventions of the court, making unreasonable demands, and threatening the judge are actions that show lack of respect for the authority of the court. If the prosecution has no case; then let the court make that determination.


      You make a point that the onus of responsibility lies with the prosecution. Agreed, just don't confuse the role of the judge with that of the "justice" system.

    7. Re:That will make the judge go easier on you by renehollan · · Score: 2
      Questioning the typographical conventions of the court,...

      Yes, that was silly.

      ...making unreasonable demands, ...

      Also silly.

      ...and threatening the judge...

      Stop. Threatening? Suggesting that a judge be liable for his actions is somehow a threat? I never understood this line of reasoning. So, if I say, "If you try to kill me, I will defend myself?" threatens you? (taking the reasoning to the extreme).

      It's sad when justified cynicism is not recognized for being lost in the noise of arrogant folly. The feeling I get is that the defendant has lost all faith in the justice system and is mocking it.

      --
      You could've hired me.
    8. Re:That will make the judge go easier on you by cduffy · · Score: 1

      The "system" isn't all that bad. Systems aren't evil... people are.

      I disagree. Very few evil people + bad system => bad results. Very few people alone + good system => good results. A good government will prevent corruption, for instance, by being so self-limiting that it's of little value to those few who would corrupt it (this is where a court with a strict interpretation of the Constitution would come in handy in the US). A bad government makes it easy for a very small group of evil people to sieze control. Yes, the core problem may be the evil people... but I don't know how to fix evil people, except for myself. Give me a bad system, however, and I can propose a better one; and after enough public discussion and refinement it may actually be usable.

      Go read "Pinto Fires and Personal Ethics" by Dennis Goya. The long and short of it was that a vehicle was released with an easily fixable known safety flaw not because of any one person being overridingly evil, but simply because the system (rules, procedures, and the mindsets of the people involved which largely followed from the former two factors) didn't cause anything to happen about it.

    9. Re:That will make the judge go easier on you by renehollan · · Score: 2
      A good government will prevent corruption, for instance, by being so self-limiting that it's of little value to those few who would corrupt it (this is where a court with a strict interpretation of the Constitution would come in handy in the US).

      Obviously not. Witness the modern-day U.S.A., with it's anti-"terrorist" jihad. The government, as mandated by the constition, had decent safeguards to limit concentration of power to deter corruption. It just took some 200+ years for all the powers that were to collude.

      As for the Ford Pinto: this was an example of negligence, not necessarily evil. I stand by my assertion that "systems", not being conscious beings can't be evil, only people can.

      --
      You could've hired me.
    10. Re:That will make the judge go easier on you by davidebsmith · · Score: 1

      Of course, if judges could be held personally liable if they err, they would be sued in every case by the losing side who thinks the judge's decision is wrong. And no judge would ever make a decision under those circumstances. You cannot have a legal system without judicial immunity.

      Not to mention that if the losing side could sue the judge, we'd need more judges to hear the lawsuits against the judges, who would then be sued by the side that lost the lawsuit against the first judges, which would require more judges to hear the suits against the judges who heard the suits against the judges....

      And before you say that it would be a good thing to not have a legal system, who ya gonna call when somebody breaks into your house to steal your DVDs and your Linux computer? Emanuel Goldstein?

    11. Re:That will make the judge go easier on you by renehollan · · Score: 2

      I'd think that frivolous lawsuit recognition would put a stop to the infinite progression you propose.

      --
      You could've hired me.
    12. Re:That will make the judge go easier on you by WeedMonkey · · Score: 1
      Not to mention that if the losing side could sue the judge, we'd need more judges to hear the lawsuits against the judges, who would then be sued by the side that lost the lawsuit against the first judges, which would require more judges to hear the suits against the judges who heard the suits against the judges....

      At least it keeps the lawyers off the streets :-)

    13. Re:That will make the judge go easier on you by cduffy · · Score: 1

      Obviously not. Witness the modern-day U.S.A., with it's anti-"terrorist" jihad. The government, as mandated by the constition, had decent safeguards to limit concentration of power to deter corruption. It just took some 200+ years for all the powers that were to collude.

      I think you make my point for me -- for the better part of 200 years (certainly until the mid-1800s), the courts, following (for the most part) a strict interpretation of the US Constitution, managed for the most part to keep the rest of the federal government safely in check. Only after over 150 years of slippage in the standards applied by the Court has the present state (almost a single government with "states" just another level of minor local control) been reached.

      I argue that if the courts maintained their early high standards over their newer views (particularly the all-too-popular view of the Constitution as a constantly changing "living document" rather than a foundation stone), the US would be prone to far less corruption.

      As for the Pinto, I agree with you: It was negligence. Negligence combined with a bad system, however, can lead to effects which appear to the outsider as directed evil.

      Note that I haven't once called any system "evil". I agree -- people can be evil, systems can't. However, systems can easily be bad, and bad systems can make it easy for evil people to break things, or hard for good people to fix things, or easy for a large number of negligent or apathetic people to do bad things without any individual within the group being legally or emotionally guilty of anything. Fixing bad systems, thus, is of great importance. Going about it the other way -- trying to address the problem of evil people -- involves fixing humanity itself, and I just don't think that one's possible.

    14. Re:That will make the judge go easier on you by renehollan · · Score: 2
      The U.S. Constitution did not limit power enough -- it merely distributed it among the legislative, judicial, and executive branches. There was still incentive to try to control all three.

      The impediments put in place by the Constitution delayed the process, but still resulted in a powerful, albeit somewhat distributed government, that was ripe for corruption. I don't think that good government is enough to avoid such inevitabilities.

      Perhaps even greater distribution of powers would, as you write, make government service unappealing to the corruptable, but this can lead to unacceptable latency when responding to a sudden threat (though I don't particularly buy that argument: if the threat is real, I'd expect rapid agreement of the state of emergency, and execution of strategic responses planned in advance). However, such decentralization would require a far more responsible and participatory electorate. I fear that the American public has been dumbed down too much for too long for that to happen.

      --
      You could've hired me.
    15. Re:That will make the judge go easier on you by cduffy · · Score: 1

      The U.S. Constitution did not limit power enough -- it merely distributed it among the legislative, judicial, and executive branches. There was still incentive to try to control all three.

      Disagree -- the Constitution did not "merely" distribute power, but actively limited it by confining the federal government to an enumerated list of activities. Many of the Founders disapproved of the passage of the Bill of Rights not because they wanted the government to be able to take the actions which these amendments prohibit, but rather because they believed that as the Constitution was written, the federal government did not have the powers to interfere with those rights in the first place; their objection to the Bill of Rights is that its presence would imply that its necessity (and by extension that a loose interpretation of the Constitution should be favored).

      The power wielded by the Federal Government today is due to a tremendously overbroad reading of both the interstate commerce clause and the presence of the elastic clause (which was fiercely debated during ratification; IMHO, its presence was one of the few flaws in Constitution as ratified). Were these clauses removed, however, few abusive actions could be legally taken by the federal government.

    16. Re:That will make the judge go easier on you by renehollan · · Score: 2
      Even with the explicit limitations you mention, it wasn't enough. As far as I'm concerned, the only legitimate roles for government are (a) settling disputes when voluntary arbitration has failed, (b) act as a lawful agent of retaliatiary force against initiated force, or fraud. Libertarians (among whom I include myself), and objectivists would add (c) national defense, but that suggests a need for a standing army, which can all too easily be turned on one's own citizenry.

      The U.S. Constitution was good, but not good enough. For one thing, those in the service of the public at large, should be held to higher ethical standards than usual, precisely because they affect the lives of so many. Abuse of that public trust, should be met with the harshest penalty. AFAIK, there is no notion of "high" treason within the U.S. legal framework that would allow for this.

      --
      You could've hired me.
    17. Re:That will make the judge go easier on you by soft_guy · · Score: 1

      I think that prosecutors should be criminally liable if they prosecute you and they know you are innocent.

      --
      Avoid Missing Ball for High Score
    18. Re:That will make the judge go easier on you by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      They are. It's called, suprisingly enough, "Wrongful Prosecution"

    19. Re:That will make the judge go easier on you by stripes · · Score: 2
      I, for one think that judges should be personally liable when they err, particularly when it causes suffering to parties wrongly convicted and those that depend on them (for income, etc.). Just what the punishment for judicial error should be is a matter for debate, of course, and honest mistakes should not be treated as harshly as gross negligence, but the idea that judges are somehow not answerable to the law, or not answerable enough bothers me.

      They should be punished for honest mistakes? Why? What good would that do? wouldn't it make (at least some of them) attempt to hide any mistakes that they might later realize?

      Oh, and do you know anyone that never makes any mistakes at their job?

      I'm ok with punishing people for abuse of power, or for gross incompetence, or fraud, but an honest mistake? Everyone makes those, and it strikes me as a bad idea to heap additional punishments on top of whatever damage the mistake did.

    20. Re:That will make the judge go easier on you by renehollan · · Score: 2

      Honest mistakes need to be corrected, espescially in judicial matters. Those that make them need to redress their wrongs, and this is, indeed punishing, as it implies imposition of a hardship.

      --
      You could've hired me.
    21. Re:That will make the judge go easier on you by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      I can not just shut up and live a lie.
      Just a smidgen away from willing to die for the truth, eh. Idiot. But who am I to judge. I am here to sell. Yes. Even to idiots.
    22. Re:That will make the judge go easier on you by qaggaz · · Score: 1
      It's sad when justified cynicism... and this cynicism towards this specific judge is based on what? It seems to me that the judge was going out of his way to be accomodating.


      "If you try to kill me, I will defend myself?" threatens you? It depends on who says it and why. If it was said by a paranoid schizophrenic holding a knife, for instance, I might feel somewhat threatened.


      There is a place for criticism of the justice system, but an arraignment hearing is almost certainly not the place for an effective critique.


      Back to the case at hand, in what way has the judge erred? How has he abused his judicial authority? It seems reasonable that if a defendant does not show respect for the rule of law, or that he can pick and choose which laws apply to him, that he may may well decide that he does not need to show up for his court date.


      ... the defendant has lost all faith in the justice system perhaps, but which aspect of the justice system does he feel is problematic? Is he attempting to engage in an act of civil disobediance? Or is the defendant just an arrogant fool who thinks of himself as an ubermencsh to whom the normal rules of society do not apply? I suspect the latter, especially given his background. I wonder how many times he was told that he was "special," how many rules were bent to allow him to start college so young. I wonder how many liberal arts classes did he take? Perhaps a few years "unplugged" would do him some good, give him some time to read literature and philosophy, maybe learn to meditate. As it stands now, with his attitude, he does seem like a meanace to society.

    23. Re:That will make the judge go easier on you by renehollan · · Score: 2

      I would rather die on my feet than live on my knees. I hope your chains rest lightly upon you.

      --
      You could've hired me.
    24. Re:That will make the judge go easier on you by cduffy · · Score: 1

      I'm inclined to agree with your sentiments here. Notice, however, that almost everything you've discussed here is system rather than personal; forcing government into a tighter straightjacket and establishing the legal policy and procedure for enforcing the "high" treason of which you speak are most certainly systemic issues.

      Once again... it's the system, not the individuals, which can be reasonably fixed.

    25. Re:That will make the judge go easier on you by renehollan · · Score: 2
      Notice, however, that almost everything you've discussed here is system rather than personal...

      Only in the sense that it is a systemic attempt to curtail corrupt people. If people weren't corrupt or corruptable, there would be no need for such systemic safeguards. Furthermore, no system can safeguard anything if there aren't individuals who hold the principles the system is designed to protect dear enough to risk their lives for them.

      --
      You could've hired me.
    26. Re:That will make the judge go easier on you by cduffy · · Score: 1

      With this I wholeheartedly agree.

    27. Re:That will make the judge go easier on you by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      That is a very generous assessment of self-worth. Let's see what the market will bear.

  23. Singular and plural by rajinikanth · · Score: 0

    Even after introducing subscriptions and the like, things never changed. Hackers and goofs ? Get your grammar right, Taco. People will be willing to pay at least then!

  24. AKA - MagicFX by keep_it_simple_stupi · · Score: 3, Informative

    Jerome Heckenkamp, aka MagicFX, also brought down a major porn site not too long ago, redirecting visitors to Disney's website.

    I like his style!

    More info here.

    1. Re:AKA - MagicFX by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Not too long ago? The Wire article was from 1998!

    2. Re:AKA - MagicFX by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Oh right... 4 years must seem like an eternity to a fifteen year old.

    3. Re:AKA - MagicFX by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The guy must be out of his mind...

      He should have done it the other way around...

  25. Re:Jesus Christ, Taco, LEARN TO SPELL by elefantstn · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    That's what really gets my goat. They get all high and mighty about resources, time, etc. costing money, so subscribe, but they can't even be bothered to fucking use ispell. Taco -- you're always blabbing on about Debian (rightly so, cos it rocks), so here's a tip: apt-get install ispell. Jesus Christ, it's not that hard. If you want me to pay for your site, I'm not even asking for you to research your articles for blatant falsehoods, I JUST WANT YOU TO SPELL CORRECTLY! It wasn't acceptable to not know how to spell in third grade, and it isn't now.

    --
    If it ain't broke, you need more software.
  26. No video games!?! by CrazyJim0 · · Score: 2, Funny

    If I had a court order that I couldn't play video games, I'd probably go spastic too.

    1. Re:No video games!?! by schlach · · Score: 1

      I can't quite figure out why he couldn't play video games. Was the judge worried that watching the bubbly jubblies of Dead or Alive 3 was going to inspire him to unlawful flight, rather than be cut off from T&A for a few months? Sounds like a Judge Judy order.

      Seriously, if they're trying to prevent him from interacting with any digital device, it's a fool's court top to bottom. What about his travel alarm clock? Or his coffee-maker? Innocent enough to the untrained, but deadly weapons in the hands of an experienced hacker!

      Don't get me started about the can of worms he'd be opening by using his PS2 to watch a movie...

  27. Fool by indole · · Score: 1, Redundant
    "I cannot help but comment that you have substituted out a capable attorney," the judge added.

    Or as they say in the profession, "He who represents himself has a fool for a client."

    --
    (2,3-Benzopyrrole)
    1. Re:Fool by hrieke · · Score: 1

      Mark Twain wrote that line, "He who represents himself has a fool for a client."

      --
      III.IIVIVIXIIVIVIIIVVIIIIXVIIIXIIIIIIIIVIIIIVVIIIV IIVIIIIIIVIII...
  28. QMail? Qualcomm? by fruey · · Score: 5, Interesting
    Perhaps he would not even be in this mess if he did not tell Qualcomm. ( The company who owns the secure mail deamon Qmail) After all they were the ones who went to the FBI after machines were getting owned with a 0-day exploit for qpop. In his post to BugTraq he did say "I found this overflow myself earlier this month. Seems someone else recently found it before Qualcomm was able to issue a patch." But lets not be naive, he is a smart kid.

    Isn't Qmail open source, and Qpopper what he is talking about really?

    Qmail, as I understood it, has NEVER been hacked.

    --
    Conversion Rate Optimisation French / English consultant
    1. Re:QMail? Qualcomm? by O2n · · Score: 1

      Yep, that's true. There's even a small prize to win if you crack qmail (very improbable...)

      Check it all here.

    2. Re:QMail? Qualcomm? by nzkoz · · Score: 2

      QPopper is Qualcomm's POP3 server. I've used it before, it's not too bad though we migrated to imap and courier.

      QPopper has nothing to do with qmail which, if I'm not mistaken, is still vulnerability free.

      So yeah, this guy's not doing his research. Someone should e-mail djb.

      --
      Cheers Koz
  29. Re:Taco, LEARN TO SPELL by TheTomcat · · Score: 0, Funny

    oh no!
    I need to stop reading slashdot.
    I did'nt even notice those gramatical/speling errors were their until you pointed them out.

  30. Wisdom? by kperrier · · Score: 1

    Watterson?

    Matlock, dammit!

    Kent

    1. Re:Wisdom? by cdrudge · · Score: 2

      Wrong generation. My parent's watched Matlock. I watch Law & Order.

    2. Re:Wisdom? by eam · · Score: 1

      On "Philly" they had an episode where a moron client couldn't control himself (despite his lawyer trying to get him under control) & wound up in jail for contempt.

      life imitates art.

  31. Where is Kevin or 2600 when you need them? by linuxislandsucks · · Score: 1

    Sounds liek he woudl have been better off with 2600.org as his lawyer

    --
    Don't Tread on OpenSource
    1. Re:Where is Kevin or 2600 when you need them? by n7ytd · · Score: 1

      I think from the sound of things, even irc.2600.com would be a better choice than defending himself.

  32. Shower scene by Mostly+Monkey · · Score: 1

    Poor guy. He can't hack into E-bay, defend himself in court, and probably won't be able to hang on to the soap.

    --
    Chika Chik-ah... do-e ow ow.
    1. Re:Shower scene by SuiteSisterMary · · Score: 5, Funny

      ...and suddenly, with a flash of tearing insight, the cracker realized how all of his victims felt when he intruded into THEIR systems through a backdoor. Yes, from that day forward, he was oVVn3d. In the most terrible way possible.

      --
      Vintage computer games and RPG books available. Email me if you're interested.
    2. Re:Shower scene by bluehorse · · Score: 1

      I think that smart-ass hackers are popular in prison. His dance card will probably stay full.

    3. Re:Shower scene by pogen · · Score: 5, Insightful
      I don't mean to spoil everyone's fun, but am I the only one who's disturbed by the number of (highly-moderated) prison rape jokes? Yes, humor can be found in any situation, but it seems a bit callous to me. This isn't some George Carlin-esque fictional rape scenario; we're talking about a real person who may be in for the most traumatic experience of his life. Yes, he's an idiot, and probably a criminal, but that doesn't mean he deserves to be raped.

      Stop Prisoner Rape

    4. Re:Shower scene by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yikes, that's really scary!

    5. Re:Shower scene by general_re · · Score: 2
      Yes, he's an idiot, and probably a criminal, but that doesn't mean he deserves to be raped.

      Maybe, but let's start with personal responsibility here. If you have someone who obviously refuses to take even minimal steps to save his own ass from the pokey(!), why shouldn't he be abused for his obviously self-destructive tendencies? I tend to think he's going to deserve exactly what he gets, in the same way that someone who pours a gallon of gas on themselves and then starts striking matches deserves exactly what they're going to get - the consequences of both sets of actions are entirely foreseeable.

      In the case of this ass-clown, the consequences that he is increasingly likely to suffer were previously either wholly avoidable, or at least could have been lessened. Instead, he is going out of his way to worsen them. Since most of us don't care to take on the task of saving all the world's morons from themselves, I think the tendency to note natural selection in action is a reasonable one...

      --
      ABSURDITY, n.: A statement or belief manifestly inconsistent with one's own opinion.
    6. Re:Shower scene by pogen · · Score: 1
      let's start with personal responsibility here.

      Yes, let's. Every human being has a responsibility NOT to rape any other human being. And that, IMHO, is where the responsibility for rape begins and ends.

      why shouldn't he be abused for his obviously self-destructive tendencies?

      The same reason that you shouldn't be shot in the head by another motorist for driving self-destructively. Falling victim to road rage is one forseeable consequence of driving like an idiot, but that does not mean that it is "deserved."

  33. He is implementing a crazy legal scheme. by darkharlequin · · Score: 1

    This is something i read a while back where the general gist is that you are not the person 'CAPITAL NAME' and that that person is a legal corporate entity. This was used, if I remember correctly, to defend several tax cases.

    --
    i am so very tired....
    1. Re:He is implementing a crazy legal scheme. by zzyzx · · Score: 2

      See my comment lower down on the page. This argument was used to lose tax cases, not win them.

  34. Imagine the court reporter by Geek+In+Training · · Score: 5, Funny

    Can you imagine the court reporter, trying to type out the 'leet-speak?

    "1 0wn j00, y0 h0noR!!! m3 w1ll h4x0r joo and l3gAl 5y5t3mz!!!"

    --
    SlashSigTheorem: Humorous, Political, Critical, Constructive- If you have a .sig, someone WILL complai
    1. Re:Imagine the court reporter by sfbanutt · · Score: 2

      My wife's a court reporter. They wouldn't bother. It's all done phonetically, so it would come out in plain english.

      --
      I've wrestled with reality for 35 years and I'm happy to say, I finally won out - Elwood P. Dowd
    2. Re:Imagine the court reporter by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

      Dude - it's called HUMOR. Try looking into it some time.

    3. Re:Imagine the court reporter by ck42 · · Score: 1

      Thnx Geek In Training....I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard at a /. post :)

    4. Re:Imagine the court reporter by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Dude - it's called HUMOR. Try looking into it some time.

    5. Re:Imagine the court reporter by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Boy you must be the life of the party. Ever wonder why everyone keeps saying "Don't take it so literally, Jim!"??

    6. Re:Imagine the court reporter by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      what the hell is HUMOR? did you maybe mean humor; the two are completley different you know

    7. Re:Imagine the court reporter by Pig+Hogger · · Score: 2
      Can you imagine the court reporter, trying to type out the 'leet-speak?
      "1 0wn j00, y0 h0noR!!! m3 w1ll h4x0r joo and l3gAl 5y5t3mz!!!"
      Actually, stenotype machines used by court reporters, solely work phonetically, and by using a reduced character set; the net output looks quite like hax0r except that there are only letters...
    8. Re:Imagine the court reporter by Rakarra · · Score: 1

      What on earth does 'leet-speak sound like anyway? I always imagined a person sounding like Sean Penn in "I am Sam" -- idiocy and childishness approaching mental redardation.

  35. Obvious reason to his behavior by Starving+Artist · · Score: 2
    Heckenkamp had been free on $50,000 bail, and living under electronic monitoring -- prohibited by court order from using cell phones, the Internet, computers, video games and fax machines.

    This is what happens when you take away someone's video games!

  36. I'm sorry... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    this (second link in writeup) is NOT journalism.
    I read as far as this:
    He alerted the vendor of the security hole, gave them more then enough time to write a patch for the security hole he found and on top of that when he released the security hole to bugtraq the changed a line of code that made it useless unless you were smart enough to look at the code and figure out how to make it work.
    Then realized that it sounds like a fifteen year old wrote this. Then I glanced at the URL: www.hackersdigest.com...
    Yeah, okay.
    Anyway, next time you throw us garbage like that, Taco, do warn us.
    Paul.

  37. Standard cracker tactics by jquiroga · · Score: 3, Funny

    He mistook the judge for a server, and was trying to find his security holes, to sneak in and become root. It seems he didn't find any.

    1. Re:Standard cracker tactics by software_non_olet · · Score: 1

      Looks like, he hit a port with a sentry behind it. Should've used IP-spoofing .o)

    2. Re:Standard cracker tactics by fenux · · Score: 1

      ow no... al people have a security hole, it's green and it has a stupid face on them. Instant root.

    3. Re:Standard cracker tactics by loconet · · Score: 1

      the poor bastard ....he thought he was having a on IRC with a chanop instead of a judge!

      --
      [alk]
    4. Re:Standard cracker tactics by LafinJack · · Score: 1

      Well, he knew where the judge's security hole was, but the judge just doesn't swing that way.

      --
      we are building a religion
      a limited edition
      we are now accepting callers
      for these pendant key chains
  38. never forget... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    that kevin poulsen is only one step above the tabloids, which in itself doesnt say much if the ladder starts in the sewer.

  39. Obviously innocent by swordgeek · · Score: 2

    Nobody could be that stupid and manage to find security breaches. Come to think of it, I'm not sure someone could be that stupid and keep breathing. Well, we can only hope.

    Apparently he didn't notice in all of those "made for prison TV" movies that the wrongfully convicted sorts who defend themselves successfully spend months poring over legal documents and books. It doesn't sound like he even understands the legal process from a 10,000 metre view. (which you could get by reading a newspaper)

    He deserves what he gets, just for being a moron.

    --

    "People who do stupid things with hazardous materials often die." -- Jim Davidson on alt.folklore.urban
    1. Re:Obviously innocent by Emugamer · · Score: 2

      Nobody could be that stupid and manage to find security breaches.

      Eh... its all a matter of how long it takes to compile an exploit in comparison to how fast the sysadmin can patch their 200 servers....

      stupidity has nothing to do with it.

  40. New slashdot poll by iceT · · Score: 5, Funny

    Jerome Heckenkamp should:

    0) never be referred to as a hacker again.
    0) never be allowed to open his mouth.
    0) never have an article posted about him again.
    0) be praised for going out in a true blaze of stupidity.
    0) Cowboy Neal

    --
    -- You can't idiot-proof anything, because they're always coming out with better idiots.
    1. Re:New slashdot poll by Alsee · · Score: 5, Funny

      0) Given ample opportunity to earn himself a Darwin Award.

      -

      --
      - - You can't take something off the Internet! That's like trying to take pee out of a swimming pool.
    2. Re:New slashdot poll by Maserati · · Score: 1

      0) Hire Cowboy Neal as his next attorney.

      --
      Veteran, Bermuda Triangle Expeditionary Force, 1992-1951
    3. Re:New slashdot poll by Col.+Panic · · Score: 1

      0) Claim that he cannot be indicted since all his hacking was done as a persona called 'Cowboy Neal' -- that's capital "C", lower-case "o" ...

    4. Re:New slashdot poll by SomeoneYouDontKnow · · Score: 2

      Oh, he'll have plenty of opportunities to earn one after he's sent up the river. He may think he's being cute now, but it won't seem so funny when he makes some smartass comment to his cellmate and gets the shit kicked out of him.

      And I do know that it isn't a done deal that he'll go to prison, but he's doing a fantastic job of pissing off the judge, the guy who will have a lot to do with making that decision. Yeah, that's real smart, kid.

      My vote goes to getting more stories on him. It'll be amusing to watch as this guy flushes his life down the toilet. What a total moron.

      --
      That light you see at the end of the tunnel might be from an oncoming train.
    5. Re:New slashdot poll by Cruciform · · Score: 5, Funny

      Don't worry, after he continues to represent himself he'll find that he's going to end up in jail for a long long time... Where someone will exploit his security hole if he's not careful.

    6. Re:New slashdot poll by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      No, I think it's a cunning plan. Jerome is tryng to appear such a clown that the Judge will think of the whole thing as a big laugh, and sentence this harmless buffoon to community service.

      Of course this assumes the Judge really IS a clown while Jermoe ISN'T. So it won't work.

    7. Re:New slashdot poll by connorbd · · Score: 2

      hmm... new word...

      jermoe, n. 1. idiot savant cracker who gets caught. 2. Anyone who sincerely believes that personal pride or level of expertise gets them off the hook for misdeeds. [Before the trial, Bill was a very rich man. Now he's a very rich jermoe who needs to find even more sophisticated ways of screwing people over to survive.]

      /Brian

    8. Re:New slashdot poll by Catbeller · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Ah yes, rape as a just form of punishment for hacking.

      America, America, God shed his grace on thee...

      Why is rape tolerated, other than it's amusing for good citizens to think about?

      I mean really, is it too much to have the right to not contract AIDS as a prison bonus?

      Back on the thread, this kid was an idiot. But the punishment for being stupid shouldn't be rape. But it will be, won't it?

    9. Re:New slashdot poll by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      it won't seem so funny when he makes some smartass comment to his cellmate and gets the shit kicked out of him.

      Make that: into him!

    10. Re:New slashdot poll by LafinJack · · Score: 1

      He actually has to get himself killed to earn a Darwin Award. Maybe if he goes to prison like the other poster said... ;)

      --
      we are building a religion
      a limited edition
      we are now accepting callers
      for these pendant key chains
    11. Re:New slashdot poll by Cruciform · · Score: 2

      No, it will most likely be a fine and some time in a minimum security white collar joint. But it's fun to poke some fun at the idiot at his expense.

      For a "smart" person he's doing some REALLY stupid things. Even an uneducated drug dealer usually has enough sense to keep their lawyer.

      Maybe he's hoping that this is a useful stall tactic he can use to get the case thrown out of court and retried at a later date.

      either way, he's wasting time and money, and is only creating prejudice for his case.

    12. Re:New slashdot poll by Cyno · · Score: 1


      Criminals no longer have the freedoms granted to every American by the constitution. So they don't get the same protection from personal injury, I guess. I don't understand where you get the idea that America is some righteous or just country, unless you pay attention to its propoganda. Its actions prove differently. Personally I think all Americans should be subject to the risks of torture, rape, and death they inflict on their criminals. In fact they are, they just don't know it. Because the truth is everyone in America is a criminal by their own legal system. They are in the process of declaring all humans illegal and criminal on one account or another. But if you have money you don't have to worry about those laws, they're just for the poor. Heh, infect truth... whatever.

    13. Re:New slashdot poll by Orbital+Sander · · Score: 1

      0) Never be allowed to take his foot out of his mouth again

    14. Re:New slashdot poll by east_bay_pete · · Score: 1

      most likely be a fine and some time in a minimum security white collar joint.

      Most likely not. I know Ross Nadel (the US attorney mentioned in the article as handling the case), and he'll push for whatever he can get. He's not interested in justice. He's interested in building his own career.

      That said, Heckencamp is an idiot. We'd all most likely be better off if Mr. Nadel gets him life.

    15. Re:New slashdot poll by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      No, it will most likely be a fine and some time in a minimum security white collar joint.

      You mean, as opposed to a "Federal, pound-me-in-the-ass prison"?

    16. Re:New slashdot poll by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      0) Never be allowed to breed with another human being. ;)

    17. Re:New slashdot poll by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      like prison rape doesn't happen in other countries.........suuuuuuuuure

    18. Re:New slashdot poll by Malcontent · · Score: 2

      In America rape is the punishment for every crime. End up jail? get raped.

      The reason for this is of course the citizens want it that way. When they think of criminals they think murderers and to them they deserve to get rape. They don't think of a poor slob who got caught with a joint or held up a 7-11.

      --

      War is necrophilia.

    19. Re:New slashdot poll by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      And because it happens in other countries, it's OK here!

  41. Not necessarily by why-is-it · · Score: 1

    its only a hop skip and a jump from there to have the judge decide that he ALWAYS shows a lack of judgement, and its a medical condition.

    Yes, but if such poor (non-existant?) judgement was typical of his behaviour, how could he have managed to ha>

    --
    *** Where are we going? And what's with this handbasket?
    1. Re:Not necessarily by why-is-it · · Score: 2

      its only a hop skip and a jump from there to have the judge decide that he ALWAYS shows a lack of judgement, and its a medical condition.

      Damn, I hate it when that happens...

      My comment was meant to say: if his judgement was so erratic and poor, how could he have managed to hack his way into such prominent sites? eBay and Lycos (et. al.) must be attacked quite regularly and we don't hear of them being cracked very often...

      Mind you, in this kid's case, the apple may not have fallen far from the tree. His dad does not have any problem with how Jerome conducted himself in front of the judge:

      In a telephone interview after the appearance, Heckenkamp's father, Thomas Heckenkamp, said his son is only trying to protect his rights . "They've overstepped their bounds, and they're keeping him from defending himself," he said.

      Dumb-asses beget dumb-asses, I suppose

      --
      *** Where are we going? And what's with this handbasket?
    2. Re:Not necessarily by Rakarra · · Score: 1
      My comment was meant to say: if his judgement was so erratic and poor, how could he have managed to hack his way into such prominent sites? eBay and Lycos (et. al.) must be attacked quite regularly and we don't hear of them being cracked very often...

      I'd say the fact that he tried to hack into eBay and Lycos shows pretty poor judgement in itself, regardless of success or failure.

  42. Funny double meaning by GigsVT · · Score: 5, Funny

    Heckenkamp said he wanted to subpoena Nadel's "client" to appear in court, and Ware asked him who, exactly, he wanted to bring into the courtroom.
    When Heckenkamp replied, "The United States of America," Ware ordered him taken into custody.


    I think they meant at this point the judge ordered the defendant to be taken into custody, but it could equally mean he ordered the United States to be taken into custody. :)

    --
    I've had enough abrasive sigs. Kittens are cute and fuzzy.
    1. Re:Funny double meaning by IsaacW · · Score: 0, Offtopic

      Comments like this make me want to see a new moderation modifier alongside Insightful and Interesting: the +1 Understands Grammar!

    2. Re:Funny double meaning by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You are forgetting the meaning of the comma. Remove the commas and the words in between and the statement makes perfect, single meaning sense.

    3. Re:Funny double meaning by jgerman · · Score: 2
      It is funny in a sad little way. You have the right in this country to face your accuser, I wonder if there is a law anywhere that allows a respresentative of the plaintiff to stand in his place. I'm sure there is, but regardless this line is the only smart/clever thing the kid said.


      My prediction, that line will appear in a movie shortly. (Of cours maybe it has allready and the dik stole it)

      --
      I'm the big fish in the big pond bitch.
    4. Re:Funny double meaning by bryan1945 · · Score: 2

      Ah, yeah. In Microsoft vs. the DOJ, do you see all of the thousands of MS employees showing up for every court appearance? Generally the plaintiff does not need to show up except when they will be questioned, and in the case of company/state/federal gov the whole world does not need to show up. The state or fed gov has been enpowered by the people to act in their steed.

      Kinda clever, but stupid if he had any idea of how the law worked.

      --
      Vote monkeys into Congress. They are cheaper and more trustworthy.
    5. Re:Funny double meaning by jgerman · · Score: 2

      Just because the government continuosly does it doesn't mean it's legal. There may not be a provision anywhere for these cases. Or more likely the people who are valid representatives often are not the ones who show up in court.

      --
      I'm the big fish in the big pond bitch.
    6. Re:Funny double meaning by GigsVT · · Score: 1

      "these cases"?

      What, you mean normal criminal cases?

      The government is always the plaintiff in criminal cases, and the district (or commonwealth's) attorney is its representative.

      --
      I've had enough abrasive sigs. Kittens are cute and fuzzy.
    7. Re:Funny double meaning by mikelieman · · Score: 1

      And so, you say an attorney/client relationship exists b/t the da and the District/Commenwealth. Should one just assume that realtionship exists, or if it's a VALID one, they would be able to prove it with evidence? Perhaps a contract which could be entered into evidence to support it? Wonder what would happen if the kid pursued the point with more finesse... Probably still get thrown in the cooler...

      --
      Technology -- No Place For Wimps! Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia Chatroom -- http://www.wemissjerry.org
    8. Re:Funny double meaning by jgerman · · Score: 2

      You don't seem to be getting the point, that's no proof that the relationship is legal as another replier said. Beside harping on a point that was not the main intent of the original post, try focusing on what I'm saying, not what you think I'm saying.

      --
      I'm the big fish in the big pond bitch.
    9. Re:Funny double meaning by fluxrad · · Score: 1

      troll? I'll bite.

      The subject of the sentance was Heckencamp (sic?). "him" is a pronoun referencing the subject, Heckencamp.

      Think about it, you can logically shorten the sentance to "When Heckencamp replied [The Judge] ordered him taken into custody."

      --
      "It is seldom that liberty of any kind is lost all at once." -David Hume
    10. Re:Funny double meaning by GigsVT · · Score: 1

      It's the the state constitution of all 50 states, in one form or another.

      --
      I've had enough abrasive sigs. Kittens are cute and fuzzy.
    11. Re:Funny double meaning by GigsVT · · Score: 1

      Just like I said to the other guy, it's in the state consitiution, of all 50 states.

      --
      I've had enough abrasive sigs. Kittens are cute and fuzzy.
    12. Re:Funny double meaning by hawk · · Score: 2
      *sigh*


      I'm an attorney; this is not legal advice. If you need legal advice, contact a laywer licensed in your jurisdiction.


      > You have the right in this country to face your accuser


      The *only* way to get a person as the plaintiff in a criminal case is to bring back a monarch who is synonymous with the state--and most of us are unwilling to do that just to satisfy sophomoric claims like this twit makes . . .


      hawk
      That would be the person accusing you of the crime, namely the witnesses.


      Since 1776, cases are brought by the state, and not an individual. For some reason, ever since we through off his shackles, the King of England has been unwilling to prosecute cases, thus the change from "Rex v. Defendant" to "U.S. v. Defendant," or "State of Confusion v. Defendant".

    13. Re:Funny double meaning by jgerman · · Score: 2

      No one was trying to justify his claims, pointing out the humor in his statement was the point.

      --
      I'm the big fish in the big pond bitch.
    14. Re:Funny double meaning by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      The *only* way to get a person as the plaintiff in a criminal case is to bring back a monarch who is synonymous with the state

      that's the only way? how about if we institute a "victim or complainant is plaintiff"? that would be easier than bringing back a monarch. sheesh.

  43. Re:Mirror by neo8750 · · Score: 0

    Oh my! I looked at it and my monitor cracked!

    is that 7 years bad luck?

  44. Hacking the Court System? by KevinGale · · Score: 5, Funny

    He seems to be trying to hack the court system. "Hmmm, if I feed it garbage inputs maybe it will crash and I can escape." Next he will try stealing robes in an attempt to fool the system into thinking he's a judge.

    1. Re:Hacking the Court System? by bagman · · Score: 1
      It's been done. And successfully. During the Chicago 7 trial, one of the defendants, Abbie Hoffman, appeared wearing a judge's robes. Add to that the fact that the judge in the case was also named Hoffman . . .

      To get the full picture, check out these transcript excerpts. Some of them are absolutely hysterical. The circus-like nature of the trial was probably part of the reason that the defendants were able to get reversals on appeal.

    2. Re:Hacking the Court System? by quantaman · · Score: 2

      "Hmmm, if I feed it garbage inputs maybe it will crash and I can escape."
      It's brilliant, after you've talked nonsence for long enough just tell the jury to find you innocent. He's trying to exploit a buffer overflow!!

      --
      I stole this Sig
    3. Re:Hacking the Court System? by Jucius+Maximus · · Score: 2, Funny
      "Next he will try stealing robes in an attempt to fool the system into thinking he's a judge."

      It is possible that he might use his one phone call to dial his ISP, hum the connection tone (he did graduate from CS at age 18, yes?), send an e-mail to all his friends telling them to get themselves arrested on very minor charges (public drunkenness or something.) In his mind, this would be a denial of service attack on the prison, thus making the guards ineffective, allowing him to walk out with his friends.

    4. Re:Hacking the Court System? by jallen02 · · Score: 1

      He got a graduate degree in CS by the age of 20!

      Jeremy

  45. Proof by rjamestaylor · · Score: 5, Funny
    Proof that IANAL is more than a slogan, it's a way of life.

    Doesn't (er, didn't) he ever read Slashdot?

    --
    -- @rjamestaylor on Ello
    1. Re:Proof by Aceticon · · Score: 5, Funny

      Doesn't (er, didn't) he ever read Slashdot?


      Judging from the mess he did, i'm sure he read Sleshdot ...

    2. Re:Proof by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      If you ask the judge for anal, you will definitely be locked up, at which point you just may get gang-anal.

      Fresh Fish!

  46. Easy Way Out by stoolpigeon · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Just to throw out a different spin on this, as everyone seems just to happy to jump on the bandwagon.

    There is a good chance that he is acting out because he has realised that he is screwed. He has probably talked to his lawyers and realised that no one is really going to be able to help him.

    People have posted "he'll get his day in court", but he probably already realises that on that day they will just go through the motions of convicting him.

    caged animals can act funny.

    .

    --
    It's hard to believe that's how Micronians are made. Why don't we see it right now by having you both kiss one another?
    1. Re:Easy Way Out by ArsSineArtificio · · Score: 2

      There is a good chance that he is acting out because he has realised that he is screwed. He has probably talked to his lawyers and realised that no one is really going to be able to help him.
      People have posted "he'll get his day in court", but he probably already realises that on that day they will just go through the motions of convicting him.


      Being held in contempt of court is not a good way to help your case, under any circumstances. The judge is the one who's going to hand down the sentence, and he's just screwed himself into a higher prison term.

      If he really thought he was screwed, he should have plea-bargained.

      --
      All employees must wash hands before seeking equitable relief.
    2. Re:Easy Way Out by dumbunny · · Score: 1

      Screwed? Maybe, but in his mind, screwed == showing remorse in front of a judge + probation + community service. I don't think he's "screwed", even now. I'm betting that Jerome doesn't spend more than a few months total time in jail, unless decides to reoffend after he is released.

    3. Re:Easy Way Out by Rimbo · · Score: 1

      What about a plea bargain? What about a reduced sentence for good behavior and cooperating with the court and authorities? There's ALWAYS a way out, especially with the US legal system. This kid may have thrown out any prayer of those alternatives with his behavior today.

      I hope he enjoys being his cellmate's "wife". Maybe a few years in prison will knock some sense and reality into his skull. But I'm not counting on it.

  47. Hooray! by GeekLife.com · · Score: 5, Funny

    First use of "alleged" in a Slashdot post ever? Maybe the subscription plot is actually causing editors (and contributors) to act more like professionals.

    1. Re:Hooray! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You obviously didn't see the story when it was first posted, it was riddled with spelling errors.

    2. Re:Hooray! by kimihia · · Score: 1

      They still need to use these words:

      • Unilateral
      • Unprecedented
      • Bipartisan
      • Peace-keepers

      Only then can their news be stale and boring.

      Read what Michael Parenti has to say about the media.

  48. The capital letters issue by zzyzx · · Score: 5, Informative

    Believe it or not, the names in all capital letters is one of the things that conspiracy theorists try to use. A fun read is the destroyed arguments section of the Dixieland Law Journal. That page is a conspiracy site telling other conspiracy people that they're being a little too out there. The capital letters issue is explained and debunked at a link there.

    1. Re:The capital letters issue by Lionel+Hutts · · Score: 4, Funny

      Actually, this issue is raised all the time in America's funniest court: the Tax Court. Those of us who read Tax Notes Today (free trial at www.tax.org) see every tax case in the country, and a good 20% or so of them are totally frivolous. (10 cases so far this month have used the word "frivolous," in fact.) The claim that Social Security numbers are the Mark of the Beast is raised so often that the IRS recently sent a notice to all of its field offices, to ensure a coordinated response.

      --
      I Can't Believe It's A Law Firm, LLP does not necessarily endorse the contents of this message.
    2. Re:The capital letters issue by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The Social Security Number is the Mark of the Beast. Can anyone prove it is not?

    3. Re:The capital letters issue by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Can you prove that it is so? (Note: saying it is so is not proof) The burden of proof is on you for making an outlandish statement. Not on those that choose not to believe it because you say so.

    4. Re:The capital letters issue by nido · · Score: 1

      The burden of proof is on you for making an outlandish statement.

      Group think: most everyone's beliefs go one way; beliefs of people that do not conincide are labeled "outlandish". Some things are objectively verifiable (apples fall from the tree towards the ground), others are not (belief that SSN = mark of beast). In the case of non-objective items, individuals of the dominant group are imposing their beliefs on the subordinate group.

      --
      Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
      www.teslabox.com
    5. Re:The capital letters issue by berniecase · · Score: 1

      Judge: Um yes, I see. This court system is case-insensitive. I am insensitive, as well. You're in contempt. Now, go think about that in your jail cell you ignorant little prick.

    6. Re:The capital letters issue by haystor · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Some might say reality is imposing itself on the minority group that hold these outlandish beliefs, and its just the majority group that is pointing it out.

      Belief in the absurd doesn't make it true.

      --
      t
    7. Re:The capital letters issue by nido · · Score: 1

      Belief in the absurd doesn't make it true.

      Many, many "absurd" ideas have turned out to be closer to "reality" over history than "common knowledge". X-Rays, Quantum Mechanics, Nuclear Fission, etc.

      --
      Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
      www.teslabox.com
  49. two kinds of insanity by aunchaki · · Score: 2, Informative

    or he is going for an insaniy plea ..

    Keep in mind there are two different sanity defenses:

    1) being insane at the time of the act

    2) being insane at the time of the trial

    The first is about the defendant's state of mind when the act was committed (and is basically an admission of committing the act).

    The second is about the defendant's ability to contribute to his/her own defense.

    1. Re:two kinds of insanity by ninewands · · Score: 3, Informative

      Keep in mind there are two different sanity defenses:

      1) being insane at the time of the act

      2) being insane at the time of the trial


      Errrrrmmmm ... no.

      The insanity defense goes to the existence of a culpable mind state at the time of the alleged offense, ONLY. It is an affirmative defense to criminal liability (which means that even if the defendant did the deed exactly as he is accused of having done, he cannot be guilty because he was insane and, therefore, lacked a culpable mind-state).

      Insanity at the time of the trial is "lack of competency to stand trial" and merely postpones the proceedings until the defendant can be rendered competent by therapy, drugs, ECT, whatever the psychiatric community's "silver bullet du jour" might be. It does nothing to keep you from going to prison.

      As I see it, this guy is merely showing his complete contempt for the law, the proceedings and the court. That being said, I hope he likes coveralls, because the attitude he seems to display is going to have him wearing them for quite a while.

  50. He needs to try the Chewbacca defense by pubjames · · Score: 5, Funny

    The Chewbacca Defense

    "Ladies and Gentlemen of this supposed jury, my accusers would certainly want you to believe I hacked eBay, and they make a good case. But Ladies and Gentlemen of this supposed jury, I have one final thing I want you to consider.

    Ladies and Gentlemen, this is Chewbacca. Chewbacca is a Wookiee from the planet Kashyyyk who carried a gun and ran from the mob. But Chewbacca lives on the planet Endor. Now think about it. That does not make sense. Why would a Wookiee, an eight-foot-tall Wookiee, want to live on Endor with a bunch of two-foot-tall Ewoks. That does not make sense.

    But more important, you have to ask yourself what does this have to do with this case. Nothing. Ladies and Gentlemen, it has nothing to do with this case. It does not make sense. Look at me. I'm a hacker defending myself and I'm talkin' about Chewbacca. Does that make sense? Ladies and Gentlemen I am not making any sense. None of this makes sense.

    And so you have to remember when you're in that jury room deliberating and conjugating this case, does it make sense? No. Ladies and Gentlemen of this supposed jury it does not make sense. If Chewbacca lives on Endor you must acquit.

    I know I seem guilty. But ladies and gentlemen this is Chewbacca. Now think about that for one minute. That does not make sense. Why am I talking about Chewbacca when my life is on the line? Why? I'll tell you why. I don't know. It doesn't make sense. If Chewbacca does not make sense you must acquit. Here look at the monkey , look at the silly monkey.

    The defense rests."

    1. Re:He needs to try the Chewbacca defense by AlexDeGruven · · Score: 1
      *pop* *pafft* *pop*

      (The sound of jurors heads exploding)

      --
      Randal Graves says: I'm a firm believer in the philosophy of a ruling class... Especially since I rule.
    2. Re:He needs to try the Chewbacca defense by AlgUSF · · Score: 2

      If I was the judge, I would throw you in jail for plagerising South Park.

      --


      I want my rights back. I was actually using them when our government stole them after 9/11.
    3. Re:He needs to try the Chewbacca defense by pubjames · · Score: 2

      If I was the judge, I would throw you in jail for plagerising South Park.

      It's not plagarism. It's homage ;-)

    4. Re:He needs to try the Chewbacca defense by PantyChewer · · Score: 2, Informative

      Actually Endor is a moon ("The forrest moon of Endor") not a planet, and Chewbacca doesn't live there, he just visited it...

    5. Re:He needs to try the Chewbacca defense by pubjames · · Score: 2

      Actually Endor is a moon ("The forrest moon of Endor") not a planet, and Chewbacca doesn't live there, he just visited it...

      Objection, your honour! The facts are irrelevant to my defense. It does not make sense.

    6. Re:He needs to try the Chewbacca defense by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      IIRC , some of the old comic books from the 80's had them living on Endor for a while after Jedi.

    7. Re:He needs to try the Chewbacca defense by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Towlie says, Don't forget to bring a towel! You should practice good towel usage after those prison showers, it's important!

    8. Re:He needs to try the Chewbacca defense by linzeal · · Score: 1

      I wonder if chewie tried to get it on with any of the locaals and if there is some footage to sell on ebay of it.

    9. Re:He needs to try the Chewbacca defense by JohnDoe · · Score: 1

      Actually this was not done on South Park first, it was done on Mad TV.

    10. Re:He needs to try the Chewbacca defense by aiabx · · Score: 2, Insightful

      I always took that to mean that the place in question was the forested moon belonging to the planet Endor. Just the kind of ambiguity to cause a mistrial.
      -aiabx

      --
      Just this guy, you know?
    11. Re:He needs to try the Chewbacca defense by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Am I to understand there's been a Towlie-ban?

    12. Re:He needs to try the Chewbacca defense by marick · · Score: 1

      This may be intended as a parody, but it sure seems like plagarism from South Park episode #214, Chef Aid.

      Which, by the way, was a really funny parody of Johnny Cochran's legendary "If it doesn't fit, you must acquit." defense of OJ Simpson

    13. Re:He needs to try the Chewbacca defense by JanusFury · · Score: 0

      Oh man, that is hilarious :)
      Is that from a movie or something?

      --
      using namespace slashdot;
      troll::post();
    14. Re:He needs to try the Chewbacca defense by Treeluvinhippy · · Score: 1

      The towlie-ban has been lifted. Yiu wanna get high?

      --
      >
  51. Anagram Generator prophesies again by mblase · · Score: 5, Funny

    Jerome T Heckencamp --> A KNEE JERK COMETH

    1. Re:Anagram Generator prophesies again by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      That doesn't count since it's in all caps.

    2. Re:Anagram Generator prophesies again by hal9000 · · Score: 3, Funny

      Jerome T Heckencamp --> A KNEE JERK COMETH

      That's not an authentic anagram. It's all upper case.

      --
      Look out honey, 'cause I'm using technology; Ain't got time to make no apology
  52. Is this a kind of joke...? by O2n · · Score: 1

    From the article:
    [...]he did not tell Qualcomm. ( The company who owns the secure mail deamon Qmail)
    [...]however lets understand that SUID programs are riddled with security holes to begin with so this does not really mean anything.
    [...]There are a lot of blury lines in this case [...]


    Come on... if it wasn't for the bad spelling, I would've thought this is a rip off CNN.

    1. Re:Is this a kind of joke...? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      ROFL

      Although the title I've seen was "Lawmakers Summon Lay"... :)

      But "the navel base" is priceless.

      NOTE: stupid, stupid moderators....

  53. *NIX defense? by toxcspdrmn · · Score: 1

    Is this the first time that a case-sensitive naming convention has been used as a legal defense?

    --
    "E pur si muove!" - attributed to Galileo Galilei, 1564-1642
    1. Re: *NIX defense? by rjamestaylor · · Score: 1

      Unfortunately the court is HFS+

      --
      -- @rjamestaylor on Ello
    2. Re: *NIX defense? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Maybe~1 you~1 should~1 consider~1 that~1 they~1 are~1 using~1 the~1 filesystem~1 known~1 as~1 FAT~1. This~1 filesystem~1 is~1 a~1 fully~1 journalled~1, high~1 performance~1, RAID5~1 capable~1 platform~1 with~1 graphical~1 inheritance~1.

      All~1 the~1 "~1" are~1 performance~1 enhancers~1 that~1 line~1 up~1 contigious~1 blocks~1 so~1 that~1 it's~1 faster~1 than~1 any~1 unix~1 filesystem~1.

      Thats~1 why~1 it's #~1

    3. Re: *NIX defense? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      > Is this the first time that a case-sensitive
      > naming convention has been used as a legal
      > defense?

      It is not an rare belief that because Credit cards, Court documents, and other items all use upper case you can simple opt out of them by going to court. Below you will find an expample of what I am talking about...

      http://www.google.com/search?q=cache:-IpFA09knwM C: www.adl.org/mwd/sussman.doc+united+states+uppercas e+credit+cards+nation+citizenship&hl=en&ie=ISO-885 9-1

  54. You can by Treeluvinhippy · · Score: 1

    get away with being a smartass to a cop.

    You can even be a smartass to the prosecutor.

    Never, under any circumstances ever, be a smartass to the guy who can put you in a room with a large weightlifter with only two teeth in his head and wants to call you fish.

    --
    >
    1. Re:You can by Computer! · · Score: 2

      Stoner!

      --
      If you fall off a building, go real limp, because maybe you'll look like a dummy and people will be like hey, free dummy
    2. Re:You can by lblack · · Score: 1, Offtopic

      I'm not a fish. I'm a man. A Man! I walk upright, on two legs, homo erectus. Did I just say homo? I didn't mean to. I'm not a fish. (fish-face). Where'd that come from? THOROGOOOOD!

  55. Like father, Like son? by Em+Emalb · · Score: 2

    "In a telephone interview after the appearance, Heckenkamp's father, Thomas Heckenkamp, said his son is only trying to protect his rights . "They've overstepped their bounds, and they're keeping him from defending himself," he said."

    yeah, and his clue meter is pegged at .0001

    protecting his rights? Hmm, more like killing his chances.

    --
    Sent from your iPad.
    1. Re:Like father, Like son? by Maserati · · Score: 1
      Daddy's clue meter wrapped around the left-hand peg.


      Of course, there's always the off chance that something else is going on that hasn't been reported on. But in this case, Occam's Razor says that stupidity is hereditary.

      --
      Veteran, Bermuda Triangle Expeditionary Force, 1992-1951
    2. Re:Like father, Like son? by Misch · · Score: 2

      yeah, and his clue meter is pegged at .0001

      Wow... even his clue meter is out of whack. It should be registering a straight up 0. Looks like we'll have to calibrate it... I think the judge will handle that.

      --

      --You will rephrase your request for me to go to hell. Goto statements are not acceptable programming constructs
  56. Would this work in traffic court? by AlgUSF · · Score: 1

    I am fighting a traffic ticket in April. Hmmm, I wonder what would happen if I tried this type of stuff in court. "You're honor, I would like the entire State of Florida to appear in court", and I believe they spelled my name in all caps when I asked for a court date.

    --


    I want my rights back. I was actually using them when our government stole them after 9/11.
    1. Re:Would this work in traffic court? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Hey this is straight from the Beverly Hillbillies! I swear. It was on a few weeks ago-)) Thought they had to reply to all the people of Calfornia.

  57. Note for Jerome Heckenkamp by LittleGuy · · Score: 2, Funny

    "It's people like you that give all self-representing defendants a bad name

    Sincerely,
    The Montana Freemen"

    --
    Mod Karma -1: I sed bad wurds. If I cep my mouf shut, I wud be at riyses.
  58. Agreed by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Sam definitely does embrace a modern and wise view of the American legal system, and we should all live by his example when in court.

  59. Good background article by Covener · · Score: 2, Interesting


    google cache of siliconvalley.com piece

    Home-schooled than masters in CS by age 19... lots of interesting stuff.

    1. Re:Good background article by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      What kind of self-respecting hacker would be caught with a Compaq Presario?

    2. Re:Good background article by BelDion · · Score: 1

      LOL, just what I was about to say.

      More seriously, why the heck would he willingly give up his hd contents by giving out his password to the cops/feds? Ok, they might be all threatening and stuff, but if you know you're going to be heading to jail for what's on your box, how about, oh I don't know, not telling them?

      Okok, I know it's easy enough to get around; dump the drive, grain the contents and you're there (or delete the *.pwl for the windows inclined). But let's think reasonably here; if you're going to be doing some "1337 h4x0r1n5", why the heck wouldn't you set up some kind of box self-destruct? Put a nice shiney red kill-switch somewhere with "Don't press unless of Emergency" written on it? Granted, I understand the some different agency can then give you grief for possessing unauthorize incindiary devices, but isn't it better than his what, 120 years in jail and $5.75 million??

      --

      I am BelDion's .Sig; Who the hell is Jack?
  60. Judge Judy by kvn299 · · Score: 4, Funny

    Would have a field day with this one.

    1. Re:Judge Judy by zerocool^ · · Score: 2

      If nothing else, judge judy would knock it out in a half hour, plus commercials, instead of it taking 3 years.

      --
      sig?
  61. Damn.... by starslab · · Score: 1

    Why don't they just encode everything the moron said in l33t sp34k?

    This idiot deserves whatever he gets, and I seriously hope the judge shoves a good one up his ass.

    It's kind of a scary statement. This retard managed to root *how many?* machines?

    His parents aren't much better with that "They're suppressing his right to defend himself!" malarkey. The whole family must be fucking retards.

    1. Re:Damn.... by matrix29 · · Score: 1

      Why don't they just encode everything the moron said in l33t sp34k?

      This idiot deserves whatever he gets, and I seriously hope the judge shoves a good one up his ass.

      It's kind of a scary statement. This retard managed to root *how many?* machines?

      His parents aren't much better with that "They're suppressing his right to defend himself!" malarkey. The whole family must be fucking retards.


      Well, I can't speak for the parents of the overly spoiled child (cues Oompah-Loompah song), but the machines have only humans to defend them. Heck, with Windoze Servers they are just wide open for a hearty goatsx screwing. It's tantamount to having one person babysit a gymnasium of toddlers. The odds are one of the servers will hurt itself if some stranger comes in and offers candy. When the rest start bawling too the sysop is going to be overwhelmed instantly. Now mix some metaphors and call me when the crow caws.

      --
      "Face it, a nation that maintains a 72% approval rating on George W. Bush is a nation with a very loose grip on reality.
  62. Truth of life by Eric+Damron · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Being that I work in a building full of lawyers and judges, I can tell you that they are just people too. You can "rub them the wrong way."

    It sounds to me like this kid went in with no understanding of law and wanted to control the courtroom. This WOULD rub the judge the wrong way.

    I have a friend whom, when he was young, was the same way. Once he got pulled over on a traffic violation and during the course of his conversation with the patrol officer he said: "Just how stupid do you think I think you are!"

    As my friend learned, when dealing with people in authority, it is better to show respect and to play by their rules. Just a truth of life.

    --
    The race isn't always to the swift... but that's the way to bet!
  63. Abraham Lincoln said it best: by sup4hleet · · Score: 2

    "He who represents himself has a fool for a client."

    1. Re:Abraham Lincoln said it best: by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      He also said

      "Arq! Who shot me in the head?"

  64. Looks like MORONS run in his family - by Ummagumma · · Score: 0

    from the artilce:

    "In a telephone interview after the appearance, Heckenkamp's father, Thomas Heckenkamp, said his son is only trying to protect his rights . "They've overstepped their bounds, and they're keeping him from defending himself," he said."

    --
    "The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield and government to gain ground." - Thomas Jefferson
  65. He who represents himself... by mttlg · · Score: 2
    The computer whiz then asked the court to identify the plaintiff in the case. Ware explained that the United States was the plaintiff, and was represented by assistant U.S. attorney Ross Nadel. Heckenkamp said he wanted to subpoena Nadel's "client" to appear in court, and Ware asked him who, exactly, he wanted to bring into the courtroom.

    When Heckenkamp replied, "The United States of America," Ware ordered him taken into custody.
    ...
    Heckenkamp's father, Thomas Heckenkamp, said his son is only trying to protect his rights . "They've overstepped their bounds, and they're keeping him from defending himself," he said.

    Right, it's the court keeping this moron from defending himself...

    1. Re:He who represents himself... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The trial hasn't even been scheduled and the kids going on and on. It appears that he's attempting to dazzle the court with his amazing powers of logic by asking for the 'client' to appear in court. I suspect the father is as screwed up as the kid and doesn't have a clue either. But I guess that's probably not a suprise.

  66. "IANAL... by Anarchofascist · · Score: 1
    ...but I like to pretend to know how to defend myself" :)

    But seriously folks, can't you see your favourite Ub3r L33t H4X0r D00D here? This guys is a prime representative of all the script kiddies, crackers and sundry lowlifes that populate the web. I'm so glad one of them's gone to jail, hopefully to get the l337 kicked out of him.

    --
    Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more, Or close the wall up with our American dead!
    1. Re:"IANAL... by starslab · · Score: 1

      > ... Ub3r L33t H4X0r D00D here? ...
      > ... hopefully to get the l337 kicked out of him.

      But what good is that? If he gets the l33t kicked out of him, he's still going to be an Ub3r H4X0r D00d pain in the ass. :)

    2. Re:"IANAL... by hikeran · · Score: 1

      no .. he's gonna be an : Ub3r H4X0r D00d with a pain in his ass. :)

  67. Re:Hmmm. by skroz · · Score: 2

    Not insanity, mistrial. Either mistrial, or setting himself up for an appeal. That's the handy thing about representing yourself in court... it's almost ALWAYS grounds for a second trial provided you DON'T represent yourself the second time 'round.

    --
    -- Minds are like parachutes... they work best when open.
  68. Dumb Idea by clark625 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    What's the stupidest thing a person can do when placed under arrest? Not demand to talk to your lawyer or have one appointed. What's the stupidest thing you can do after that? Not allow your attorney to do his or her job.

    What is the very first thing that a rich, savy lawyer would do if he were arrested? Get the best darned attorney to represent him that he can afford. But why not represent himself, I mean--the accused is a lawyer, too. Well, when you're a defendant, your job is to help your attorney and keep yourself from doing stupid things like this kid has. It's your attorney's job to handle all the legal matters.

    Future note to all /.ers--if you get arrested, keep your mouth shut unless you have your attorney beside you. Let them take care of everything. And no matter what, don't ever think that you can properly defend yourself in court--it's called being railroaded for a reason. This guy's about to get the maximum sentence possible when he really could have gotten off with a slap on the wrist. Dumb.

    --
    Long, cute, or funny Sigs are just another form of over compensation, used by geeks, nerdz, etc.
    1. Re:Dumb Idea by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      Depends on if he plans on getting caught again.

      IANAL but at least in Ohio you can get subsequent criminal charges for the same offense treated as a stipulated first offense (and get first offense sentencing) if you represent yourself the first time around. I know this because my lawyer saved my ass big time.

    2. Re:Dumb Idea by nido · · Score: 1

      And no matter what, don't ever think that you can properly defend yourself in court--it's called being railroaded for a reason.

      While generally this is true, there is certainly a couple of exceptions to the rule. I know that there are people who know the rules of legal procedure so well that they can demand that they be followed. Every single one, every single time. And if the prosecutor or the judge or the court reporter doesn't follow everything to the letter (and I hear that they never, ever do), they know how to free themselves from the clutches of the court system. These individuals are super-rare, and probably 99.9999% (that's 1 in a million) of all lawyers wouldn't know this avenue, or can't persue it for fear of losing their bar license.

      frogfarm.org?

      --
      Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
      www.teslabox.com
    3. Re:Dumb Idea by ManDude · · Score: 1

      Sometimes it is more important to take the sword then it is to avoid it. Look your master in the eye and tell him to eat shit. Free your mind. I think this dude doesn't like the system that he is locked into and is expressing it as best he can. The justice system is his as much as it is the guv's. Most of the time I spend on /. is reading the whacked out nature of the system from Congress to the FBI to the district courts to the suprem court. To have a crazy defendent seems only natural.

    4. Re:Dumb Idea by fscking_coward_2001 · · Score: 1

      I don't as a rule point out spelling errors, but since CmdrTaco committed such egregious errors in the post, I felt compelled to point out that it's 'savvy' rather than 'savy'.

      Thank you. I'll crawl back under my dictionary.

    5. Re:Dumb Idea by Doctor+Memory · · Score: 1

      I think this dude doesn't like the system that he is locked into and is expressing it as best he can

      Should have thought of that before he got himself locked into it.

      While we may not be as free to change the system as we'd like ("I don't care who does the electing, as long as I get to do the nominating." -- Boss Tweed), your options pretty much go away once you're locked up.

      --
      Just junk food for thought...
    6. Re:Dumb Idea by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      [...] if you get arrested, keep your mouth shut [...]

      This is very true. A friend of mine once new a guy who new a guy who got picked up by the cops. He had been loggin on to some remote .GOV computers to start up some eggies to help in the great mIRCW4R going on at the time. Anyway, he of course thought THIS was the reason they paied him a visit. So he answers their questions accordingly.

      Turns out he's a suspect for whacking a .MIL or whatever (prolly for haning out too much in #shellz) and that this is what they thought he was talking about the whole time. Luckely tho, they never understood that he talked about something else, and he was released. Whats the moral of the story? Be sure you're talking about the same crime :)

    7. Re:Dumb Idea by CaseStudy · · Score: 2

      It's not enough that the court didn't follow procedure. You also have to show that the departure from procedure could have affected the outcome of the case. (And if it works, why would a lawyer be disbarred for what is probably the most valid grounds for appeal imaginable?)

    8. Re:Dumb Idea by Grue · · Score: 1

      Tell that to Kevin Mitnick...

      Seriously, certain government agencies want increased funding. They see computer terrorism as a great way to get increased funding. So they're going to turn cases like this into media circuses.

      I'm not saying that if he is guilty of these crimes that what he did is right. I'm just stating that there are some bigger issues here. Having a lawyer may not help you. Pulling a Chicago 7 will at least be entertaining.

      Josh

    9. Re:Dumb Idea by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      but the media has to be involved to make it a "media circus", one wiff of this and they will say one thing. BOOOOOOOOORING

    10. Re:Dumb Idea by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      So when he goes to jail and gets his ass raped off, will he tell people "I anal because IANAL"?

    11. Re:Dumb Idea by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      nice sig

  69. Sectioning by Wind_Walker · · Score: 2
    Why is this article not in the "It's Funny, Laugh" section? The sheer idiocy and incompetence displayed by this |-|4>And don't make me criticize the "hackersdigest" website for its terrible spelling, grammar, unbelievably bad prose...

    Thanks, Slashdot, for reminding me that there are millions of stupid people in this world.

    1. Re:Sectioning by Inthewire · · Score: 1

      Thanks, Slashdot, for reminding me that there are millions of stupid people in this world.

      You misspelled billions

      --


      Writers imply. Readers infer.
  70. or militia movement by Velex · · Score: 2, Informative

    There are a few people who belive that the Sixteenth Amendment was never ratified that think that your name in all caps is the name of a legal fiction. I tried to understand the thinking behind that, but it involves conspiracy theories and a general detachment from reality. They also belive that the two letter postal code abbreviations for states represent different states than the ones that you write out longhand.

    --
    Join the Slashcott! Stay away entirely Feb 10 thru Feb 17! Close all tabs to prevent autorefresh!
    1. Re:or militia movement by dthable · · Score: 2

      The argument is much more simplistic than conspiracy theories and detachments from reality. The idea is that legal matters must be exact in the spelling of any proper noun. For instance, if I drew up a contract with American Online, that could be an entirly different business than America Online. People have been looking for these little differences for years.

      I prefer to believe that the all caps is a legacy from the days of early computing where mixed case was just too much for something so small (or a lazy programmer).

    2. Re:or militia movement by nido · · Score: 1

      There are a few people who belive that the Sixteenth Amendment was never ratified

      What if it never was? (properly ratified, that is). I haven't gone and personally verified the researcher's findings myself, but from what I've read it certainly seems that it's a possibility.

      But what am I thinking? We all know that individuals who hold government posts always tell the truth, keep nothing secret, and have everyone's best interest at heart (no ulterior motives here!).

      They also belive that the two letter postal code abbreviations for states represent different states than the ones that you write out longhand.

      Have you ever tried sending a letter without a zip code (and with the state spelled out)? The good ol' postal service gets it to the destination every time for me...

      --
      Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
      www.teslabox.com
    3. Re:or militia movement by gorilla · · Score: 5, Informative
      It wasn't a case of 'too much', early computers simply could not handle mixed case. ASCII-1963 only had defined character positions for A to Z, as did Sixbit encoding. ASCII-1963 was extended in 1967 to encode a to z as well, but sixbit simply couldn't. There were only 63 possible codes, 26 for letters, 10 for numerals, 17 for other characters, and the remaining 10 for control codes. That left no space to encode the lower case letters too.

      Sixbit is ultimatly why MS-DOS had 3 name extensions and wasn't case sensitive. 3 sixbit characters fit very nicely into 18 bits, and early DEC computers were 18 bit systems. CP/M was developed to be partially a lookalike of these DEC computers, and MS-DOS was initially a clone of CP/M.

    4. Re:or militia movement by sharkey · · Score: 2
      There are a few people who belive that the Sixteenth Amendment was never ratified that think that your name in all caps is the name of a legal fiction.

      Maybe it's just me, but how does your statement, and this case, relate to this:
      • Amendment XVI
      • The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several states, and without regard to any census of enumeration.
      --

      --
      "Outlook not so good." That magic 8-ball knows everything! I'll ask about Exchange Server next.
    5. Re:or militia movement by Doctor+Memory · · Score: 1

      American Online, that could be an entirly different business than America Online

      Yes, but that's a difference in spelling. The difference between upper and lower case is just a matter of punctuation.

      --
      Just junk food for thought...
    6. Re:or militia movement by Moofie · · Score: 1

      Seems pretty clear. Many militia devotees believe that the income tax is unconstitutional (the constitutional amendment to the contrary), and they rely on silly legal conceits to try to gum up court cases.

      The person in question apparently tried to use such a legal conceit to defend himself, and the judge throwed he ass in jail.

      --
      Why yes, I AM a rocket scientist!
    7. Re:or militia movement by Steve+Hamlin · · Score: 1

      I believe the poster is refering to the overlap of ideas among those who:

      1. refuse to acknowledge the rules of civil procedure in our court system - i.e. "My name is not all capital letters, therefore I am free to leave",

      and

      2. do not believe that the Federal Income Tax is constitutional, do not pay income tax, and in one wierd case, even advocate on a well-attended lecture circuit, the rationale and reason for *you* to not pay income taxex under the guise of unconstitutionality.

      All of these people tend to be lumped in together as "extreme right-wingers". This group also includes the "militia" in the mostly-Western states, people who don't acknowledge the legitimate authority of the Federal government, white separtists, strident anti-immigration-ists, etc.

    8. Re:or militia movement by UnknownSoldier · · Score: 1, Troll

      > that think that your name in all caps is the name of a legal fiction.

      That would be the "Nom de guerre" belief. It comes from French which means "war name," but it really means an assumed name.

      I don't know about you, but I learnt to spell names with the first letter in capitals, and the rest in lowercase. Lawyers used to give the excuse that typewritters only had uppercase, so they spelt names in uppercase. Why they continue this fraud and abuse of English is above me.

      > I tried to understand the thinking behind that, but it involves conspiracy theories and a general detachment from reality.

      What, the "conspiracy" that there is *NO* manual of style that mentions names are to be written in uppercase?? If there is, please show me !! Ask any English teacher how names are spelt. Now why do lawyers continute to disregard the rules of the language?

      You probably don't think companies are legal person as well (which the law has unfortunately ruled they are.)

      > They also belive that the two letter postal code abbreviations for states represent different states than the ones that you write out longhand.

      Look up the definition for abbreviation proper. Abbreviations are either:
      1) First letter of each word, (which is really an acronym)
      2) The first syllable.

      Again, lawyers use English inconsistentenly with what is taught.

      &ltsarcasm&gt They couldn't have a reason, now could they! Guess it's a conspiracy! &lt/sarcasm&gt

    9. Re:or militia movement by Doctor+Memory · · Score: 1

      There are a few people who ... think that your name in all caps is the name of a legal fiction

      Yeah, and I'll bet they refuse to cash their paychecks if their name is in all caps on those, too...

      --
      Just junk food for thought...
    10. Re:or militia movement by Cruciform · · Score: 2

      Heheh.

      This is a guess, but I'd think it might be simply because of case confusion. A capital I and a lowercase L and look quite similar in some cases, and while the capitalization of a name might not nullify a case in court, a misspelling of the name can get you out of a traffic ticket.
      So they probably still use all caps in order to maintain the integrity of spelled names. Not everyone has an easily recognizable name like Smith.

      Anyone else come up with a good excuse too? :)

    11. Re:or militia movement by shyster · · Score: 2
      Have you ever tried sending a letter without a zip code (and with the state spelled out)? The good ol' postal service gets it to the destination every time for me...

      Yes, but it requires a bit more work and can ultimately delay the mail, depending on its destination. I think the more logical idea would be to omit the city and state, and just use the ZIP code. The city and state info is redundant, AFAIK.

    12. Re:or militia movement by tjb · · Score: 1

      The conspiracy theory recognizes that the 16th amendment is there, just that its not valid. The wacko theory goes something like this:

      Due to a procedural fuck up in admitting Ohio to the Union, Ohio wasn't actually a state until 1953. The sixteenth amendment was passed before 1953. Without Ohio's vote, the 16th amendment wouldn't have passed, since less than 3/4 of the states would have agreed to it. Therefore, the 16th amendment isn't valid.

      /loonie

      Of course its a bullshit "The Man is keepin' me down" story that would make a black panther blush, but that's how it goes.

      Tim

    13. Re:or militia movement by chuckwroks · · Score: 1

      I wish that abuse of English were the greatest crime lawyers were guilty of.


      My dictionary doesn't limit 'Abbreviation' to those daffynitions. I clipped this from it, though:

      The act or product of shortening. or...
      A shortened form of a word or phrase used chiefly in writing to represent the complete form, such as Mass. for Massachusetts or USMC for United States Marine Corps.


      Really, some interpretation (independent thought, if you will) is required for adequate communication.

    14. Re:or militia movement by danredhair · · Score: 1

      Here in the UK, everything's redundant except the house number/name.

      You really can just write "54, WC1 4AB" and it'll get where it's supposed to be!

    15. Re:or militia movement by Mandelbrute · · Score: 2
      MS-DOS was initially a clone of CP/M
      Not exactly a clone, CP/M had many features that were not copied by MS until at least NT4 (like being a multiuser OS for one).
    16. Re:or militia movement by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
    17. Re:or militia movement by UnknownSoldier · · Score: 2

      > A shortened form of a word or phrase used chiefly in writing to represent the complete form, such as Mass. for Massachusetts or USMC for United States Marine Corps.

      Using www.dictionary.com I see. Funny that they don't list MA as the abbreviation for Massachusetts, but Mass.

    18. Re:or militia movement by qaggaz · · Score: 1
      What, the "conspiracy" that there is *NO* manual of style that mentions names are to be written in uppercase?? If there is, please show me !!


      Ok, try the Blue Book.


      It also seems a bit odd to me that you treat your english teacher as more authoritative than a federal judge, especially since the judge almost certainly has both completed more education and written far more published works than your teacher.

    19. Re:or militia movement by UnknownSoldier · · Score: 2

      >> What, the "conspiracy" that there is *NO* manual of style that mentions names are to be written in uppercase??
      > Try the Blue Book @ http://www.legalbluebook.com/

      Which Section (or Page Number) is this mentioned??

      I see nothing that states the Blue Book is law, but just common practise.

      > It also seems a bit odd to me that you treat your english teacher as more authoritative than a federal judge,
      If federal judges are perverting the language by completely disregarding Proper Nouns, then why aren't the English teachers taught the "new" way then??

  71. Idiot legal arguments: capitalized name by Brian+See · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Heckencamp sounds like he's read the standard tax evader propaganda. These are the people that argue in tax court that the Sixteenth Amendment (income tax) was never properly ratified, etc.

    A good link is http://www.adl.org/mwd/suss4.htm, which collects cases smacking down defendants who, like Heckencamp, have raised an objection to their name printed in all caps. That argument is discussed in the same breath as other winning arguments like objections to a fringe on the courtroom flag or the presence of an eagle on the flagpole.

    Of particular relevance may be a relatively recent case from the 10th Circuit. Pasting from the linked document:
    US v. M.L. Lindsay (10th Cir 7/1/99) _F3d_, 99 USTC para 50648, 84 AFTR2d 5102; (tax evader complained of "his name being in capital letters in a prior order issued by this Court and then ... makes an incorrect reference to this form of using all capital letters as being proper only in reference to corporate entities. This is an incorrect statement of the law and ... is illustrative of [his] continued harassing and frivolous behavior." and fined under Rule 11

    1. Re:Idiot legal arguments: capitalized name by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I can't believe that's actually a link to "Idiot Legal Arguments, Section Four". I can't believe such a thing exists. I can't believe people actually use these arguments.

    2. Re:Idiot legal arguments: capitalized name by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Dude, I sell thse on ebay as "Genuise Lawyerin Arguments" that fucker most of stolen the goods off ebay

    3. Re:Idiot legal arguments: capitalized name by DigitalSorceress · · Score: 1

      I was going to post something to this tune, but you saved me the trouble. I have an acquaintence who is one of those tax protester guys, and I have to say that the truly sad thing is that these people REALLY DO BELIEVE in this stuff.

      Even worse, when you take the time and trouble to research their claims and find all the web sites debunking the tax protestor stuff and the conspiracy stuff and show them case after case of decisions smacking these people down for frivolous lawsuits and willful failure etc.. they cover their ears and eyes and say "la la la, I'm not listening"

      *sigh*

      --

      The Digital Sorceress
    4. Re:Idiot legal arguments: capitalized name by MillionthMonkey · · Score: 3, Informative

      Some tax evader arguments are really funny. They always start with something like a clerical error, then build up and up- and in the middle, you hear something like "...and therefore the entire federal government is illegitimate...". They all end the same way- nobody owes any taxes.
      I especially like this one: Is U.S. income tax invalid because Ohio wasn't legally a state when the 16th amendment was ratified? On the 150th anniversary of Ohio's statehood, someone looked in the archives and realized that there had been an oversight, and that Ohio had never been formally admitted to the Union. (Statehood admission was handled much more casually back in 1803.) So in 1953 they introduced a bill making Ohio a state, retroactively until 1803. The tax evaders say that since Congress can't make laws ex post facto, Ohio wasn't a state all those years. The ratification of the 16th Amendment in 1911 was therefore invalid, because it was introduced to Congress by the Taft administration, and Taft couldn't legally be president since he was born in Cincinatti and was therefore not a citizen.
      There's another rumor going around about how the IRS is paying reparations for slavery to anyone who can prove they're descended from slaves. And I remember hearing once about how "all taxes are voluntary", but I forget the details of how that one works.

  72. Re:[OT] Stephen Hill by david+duncan+scott · · Score: 1, Offtopic

    Never said much? Christ, "Make a deal!" -- that's three quarters of the dialog they gave him.

    --

    This next song is very sad. Please clap along. -- Robin Zander

  73. Idiot by peterdaly · · Score: 2

    This guy deserves a big cellmate named Bubba. Who says the system doesn't work...this problem could take care of itself. After a little small-talk, I'm sure Bubba would "have his way" (in some way or another) with the poor kid.

    -Pete

    1. Re:Idiot by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Are all of you "I hope he goes to jail and gets bumfucked by Tyrone" zealots all closet homosexuals or something?

      Yes, the kid is a rodent who got caught, but wishing to see him get raped by another prison inmate is vindictive and mean spirited, not justice.

      One day you may be up for charges on something you think isn't worthy of jail time, most people who end up in the court system don't think they should be there. How will you feel if there are people out leering and smirking at the prospect of you being raped in prison? Why is the slashdot crowd so blood thirsty in the first place?

    2. Re:Idiot by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      This guy deserves a big cellmate named Bubba. Who says the system doesn't work...this problem could take care of itself. After a little small-talk, I'm sure Bubba would "have his way" (in some way or another) with the poor kid.

      Ah, so you recommend rape if someone annoys you. I'll be sure to let your boss/girlfriend/etc. know how you feel on this matter... I'm sure they'll tread a lot more carefully around you from now on.

  74. Jennifer Granick by neilsly · · Score: 1

    "Last week, Heckenkamp, 22, fired attorney Jennifer Granick, and co-counsel Marjorie Allard, in order to personally defend himself against two federal grand jury indictments charging that he cracked computers at eBay, Lycos, Exodus Communications, and other companies in 1999. It was the second time Heckenkamp fired his lawyers -- in January, he had a federal magistrate appoint him as his own counsel, only to change his mind the same day."


    wtf? Jennifer Granick is an excellent lawyer - often representing clients pro-bono. If you're going to launch a ddos attack.. yeah that's lame - but then to go to court and act like a four year old gives hackers a bad name. I only hope that this will not discourage Ms. Granick and other lawyers to accept these kind of cases.
  75. Re:[OT] Stephen Hill by saider · · Score: 1

    The pithy, wise one-liners that bring the show together are the work of the writers, not the actors. Actors need to be judged on how convincingly they play a character, not the words that come out of their mouths. BTW, I think all involved with Law and Order are quite talented.

    --


    Remember, You are unique...just like everyone else.
  76. Re:Mirror by general_re · · Score: 2

    I know I'm just begging for trouble, but are you going to do this on every thread? It was funny the first few times, and hell, it's still funnier that "Thicke of the Night" ever was (what the hell were you thinking?), but still....

    --
    ABSURDITY, n.: A statement or belief manifestly inconsistent with one's own opinion.
  77. Judge's Order by AlgUSF · · Score: 1

    Why did the judge order him to stay away from cell phones, and fax machines? How is someone going to hack with a cell phone or fax?

    "Welcome to Microsoft corporation press 1 for english"
    (do a touch tone buffer overrun exploit for their phone system)
    "Welcome root@microsoft.phone.system where would you like to go today?"

    Give me a break!

    --


    I want my rights back. I was actually using them when our government stole them after 9/11.
    1. Re:Judge's Order by wumingzi · · Score: 2

      Why did the judge order him to stay away from cell phones, and fax machines? How is someone going to hack with a cell phone or fax?

      Does anybody know if this is a standard "one size fits all" restriction in cases involving computer tresspass?

      One could theoretically commit billing fraud with a cell phone. Faxes I'm a little stumped. There's the old put-in-a-loop-of-black-paper-dial-a-fax-number-and -walk-away trick. I suppose if I look at it in the eyes of the law, it's another form of DOS attack, but it's so throughly artless that nobody except a 13 year-old script kiddie would get any joy from it.

      j.

  78. Idiotic family by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    The guy is clearly a moron, and his father seems to partake of that quality as well. It's an inescapable statistical fact that idiotic families like this will turn up every so often.

    If I were the judge, on passing sentence I would add some extra time in the big house for the kid, because of his stupidity, and a hefty fine for the father, because of his.

  79. Illiteracy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    You'd think that someone who makes their damn living writing, and whose writing is viewed by hundreds of thousands of people on a daily basis, would learn to spell. Taco, don't you ever get embarrassed by your seeming lack of literacy? If you don't care about how your readers view you, at least care about your website. It's damn distracting to muddle through text with blatant spelling and grammatical errors, and makes it very hard to take the message seriously. Challanging, their, bi-pedal... Sad, really.

  80. give the guy a break by celfie · · Score: 2

    maybe he has some tricks up his sleave. why don't you wait to see what happens in trial before you start dishing it out. To all those that are saying that he is a hacker, perhaps you have forgotten that he has yet to be convicted. And finally, for all of you calling him stupid, let's not forget that he was employed by Los Alamos while most of you probably sit alone in mother's basement all day long dishing out hate on forums.

    1. Re:give the guy a break by siemce · · Score: 1

      for now let's call him 'different'

    2. Re:give the guy a break by bungo · · Score: 1

      for all of you calling him stupid, let's not forget that he was employed by Los Alamos while most of you probably sit alone in mother's basement all day long dishing out hate on forums.


      Ok, let me see, who's more stupid..... slashdotters ranting and laughing in their posts...

      ... or someone sitting in a jail cell and finding they now have a 400-lb boyfriend because they couldn't keep their mouth shut?

      --
      "The best part? I became an ordained minister while not wearing pants." -- CleverNickName
    3. Re:give the guy a break by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Let's call him "special" ;)

    4. Re:give the guy a break by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yah, he has every sign of a genius.

      Being hired by Los Alamos (they also hire janitors) != an IQ test.

  81. He's been watching . . . by Ezubaric · · Score: 3, Funny

    He would know better if he watched a couple episodes of Law & Order. Note that I base all court proceedings on the wisdom of Sam Watterson.

    Maybe he's been watching Ally McBeal. That would make more sense. They once sued God, who is only slightly easier to get into court than the United States of America.

    --

    ----------
    I am an expert in electricity. My father held the chair of applied electricity at the state prision.
  82. Great untapped resources by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I don't know weather one would (or should) elevate this individual to the status of a "hacker". However he defiantly has an unlimited supply of stupidly (one of the last great untapped resources in the universe). Judging from the second to last paragraph in the article this source may be genetic .....

  83. Thank Heavens For This Guy! by Petersko · · Score: 2

    I think we'd all agree that:

    1. Belittling the justice system
    2. Nitpicking
    3. Trying to do a pathetic end-run around procedure

    ...are all excellent ways to piss off a judge and screw up your shot at freedom.

    If this guy keeps it up, he will provide us with many hours of hilarity. Plus, he makes me feel good about me.

    What sterling proof that "technically proficient" and "dumb as a stick" are perfectly compatible traits.

  84. Must...Hack..Out..Of..Bag....Must...Defend..Self.. by teamhasnoi · · Score: 2, Insightful
    Um. What kind of guy would be able to break into eBay and then be so obviously incapable of defending himself? Back in younger days, I defended myself against a minor traffic ticket. What a mistake. I lost the 'big case'. The judge knew all my pals who were in mock trial, so I think he went easy on me. ( I didn't get the chair, just a big-ass fine.) Learned a bunch, though. Most importantly: IANAL!

    I wish I had a tape of that day. *cringe*

  85. Man... What a weeine... by FunkDaddy · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    'nuf said...

  86. Liable Judges by nuggz · · Score: 2

    Judges have a LOT of power, particularly at the high levels.
    It is simply not possible for them to pay back the amount of damage they are capable of doing.

    I think that ideally a good ethical judge probaly has it hard enough making legal (hopefully fair and just) judgements without the additional fear that someone is going to feel differently and punish him for it.

    How many times has a multi judge panel had a dissenting opinion? Would you want the dissenting judges to be punished for it?

    1. Re:Liable Judges by renehollan · · Score: 2
      How many times has a multi judge panel had a dissenting opinion? Would you want the dissenting judges to be punished for it?

      Not when the law permits the kind of lattitude that raises the possibility of dissenting opinions. Reasonable people can disagree, of course.

      The things that burn me up are clear displays of judicial bias (i.e. calling Shawn Fawning a "monster" because of the code he wrote).

      --
      You could've hired me.
  87. Amazing appropriate name of the judge by ab762 · · Score: 1

    Could not resist pointing out that the judge is Judge Ware!

    My other .sig is funny hwt@igs.net

  88. Coincidence? by fataugie · · Score: 1
    Does anyone see a resemblance to My Cousin Vinny here?

    I claim all rights to the idea of the sequal (hell, if Amazon can patent/copyright/trademark/servicemark an idea, why can't I?)

    --

    WTF? Over?

  89. Following your own good idea by mrbuckles · · Score: 2
    Reading the link to Jerome Heckenkamp posted in the blurb gives some of idea of why the writer (and others) would think Jerome fired his defense attorneys. Namely, he likely felt that a defense attorney did not have the computer acumen to adequately defend him.

    There's no end to the discussions on slashdot vis-a-vis the ridiculousness of the justice system attempting to regulate the computer industry without any clear understanding of how computers work. There's a good lesson in there. Computer-folk ought to at least allow that attorneys -- while incompetent at the keyboard -- know what they're doing in the courtroom.

    Just because you're a brilliant programmer, it doesn't mean you'll be a brilliant defense attorney. The years spent getting a JD, passing the bar and working as a lawyer have to count for something.

  90. you've gotta play the game by xannax · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Like any other situation in life where someone else holds your future in their hands, the key to it all is playing by their rules. Sure, you feel like a dweeb sucking up to some Judge for fifteen miniutes, but when those fifteen are up, you can go back to acting like an asshole, or a saint, or even (god forbid) somewhere in between. I'm sure this kid had his girfriend/friends/whoever out in the gallery, and he was just trying to act the badass so as to impress her/him/them. Didn't quite work out. One other thing that comes to mind . . . This is a kid we're talking about here, no? His Father sounds like he's doing his best to get this kid convicted. Never go to court without a lawyer. Keep your mouth shut except to say yessir or nosir. And play the game. It beats getting it in the rear for three or four years from some guy named Bubba. .

    --
    I hate the fucking system, But the system loves fucking me.
    1. Re:you've gotta play the game by FatHogByTheAss · · Score: 2, Insightful
      One other thing that comes to mind . . . This is a kid we're talking about here, no?

      No. We are talking about a 22 year old man who is acting like a kid. He can buy beer, join the army, vote, and drive a car.

      He's an adult, and should be treated as such.

      --

      --
      You sure got a purty mouth...

    2. Re:you've gotta play the game by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0


      Like any other situation in life where someone else holds your future in their hands, the key to it all is playing by their rules.

      Dear xannax, I hate you, you spineless unprincipaled weenie.

      Resitance is NOT futile - my nation was founded on it. The day you forget that is the day you lose your soul.

  91. Who does this kid think he is?? by kemster · · Score: 1

    I think this guy has seen Good Will Hunting too many times. What did he think was going to happen? The judge was going to order him into the care of an MIT professor under whom he would subsequently make mathematical breakthroughs that dwarfed the achievements of the world's best mathematicians, while meanwhile getting-it-on with a hot Harvard grad student in biochemistry? C'mon..

  92. sensitivity by VulgarBoatman · · Score: 0, Offtopic
    ...Heckenkamp challenged the indictment against him on the grounds that it spells his name, Jerome T. Heckenkamp, in all capital letters, while he spells it with the first letter capitalized, and subsequent letters in lower case.

    Young man, the law is not case sensitive.

    Baliff, whack his pee-pee.

    --
    "Because I love Pat Benatar." -- Britney Spears, when asked why she covered Joan Jett's "I Love Rock 'n' Roll"
  93. Next Major Book Release! by feloneous+cat · · Score: 1
    "Dummies Guide to Hacking and Defending Yourself in Court"

    [sigh]

    --
    IANAL, but I've seen actors play them on TV
  94. The last couple of paragraphs by dstanley · · Score: 1

    This has been brought up before on /. But the father in this case is supporting his son right to make an ass out of himself in court. If the he broke the law, his father should support him to remedy the situation. Not support him is attmept to skew reality. I'm willing to bet, as this boy grew up, he did no wrong!

    Well, that is what I think.

  95. This makes him seem guilty by wowbagger · · Score: 2, Redundant

    In my mind, his actions make it all the more likely he is guilty.

    These actions just cry out, "i @M 1337! i \/\/i11 0n><0r j00 1@\/\/3rz! i \/\/i11 h@><0r D 13@g@1 5y573m!"

    And that is exactly the sort of attitude that somebody who would have done what he is accused of would have to have.

    The 0th rule of law - "DON'T PISS OFF THE JUDGE"
    The 1st rule of law - "A man who represents himself has a fool for a client".

  96. Proof that being Computer Smart isn't "smart" by Shivetya · · Score: 3, Insightful

    He only proves the one thing many people here know, that most hackers are idiots.

    Hollywood is who convinces the public otherwise, showing hackers to be... computer experts, spyware experts, banking experts, encryption experts, wear designer clothing, able to run a 4second 40yard dash, and swoon woman like the latest Hollywood star.

    The rest of know that most people who hack do so because they don't have the attention span to hold down real jobs, don't have the skills to interact with a team of people on a face to face basis, and couldn't get a date unless they had money.

    Then again, maybe Hollywood is right, and only the dumb ones get caught.

    --
    * Winners compare their achievements to their goals, losers compare theirs to that of others.
    1. Re:Proof that being Computer Smart isn't "smart" by jgerman · · Score: 2

      Uhh, one guy (who's not a hacker, but I won't get into that argument) proves that most hackers are idiots. No, I think the finger pointing needs to be turned around to face the other direction. Only an idiot would think that one case implies a trait for a group.

      --
      I'm the big fish in the big pond bitch.
    2. Re:Proof that being Computer Smart isn't "smart" by telbij · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Or more specifically that 'smart' isn't a single trait.

      Being 23 myself, and having significant mathematical and technical skills myself, I have always struggled with the challenges of fitting in socially with those whose interests differ from my own.

      When people dismiss your knowledge and make fun of you for it, the way I see it there are 3 possible outcomes:

      1) You let it roll off your back since you can't please everyone all the time anyway.
      2) You become arrogant and dismiss anyone who you view as 'less intellignet' or 'not worthy of my time'.
      3) You learn to communicate with everyone on their own terms, the same way that most successful professionals do.

      #1 might be the easiest, but it never worked for me because I'm too sensitive. #3 is my choice, because it earns me a lot more respect.

      #2 is obviously the way this kid went, and I really feel sorry for him, because that is the road to bitterness. He's probably working himself up to a frenzy right now because he can't stand all those 'idiots.' Which is hypocrisy because he isn't even able to understand the basic tenets of respectful human interaction. It's sad to think that someone who supposedly values intelligence, doesn't value all the collective knowledge that society has about all kinds of topics. This kind of arrogance would seem to be chosen against by evolution in any period of history except the last few generations...

    3. Re:Proof that being Computer Smart isn't "smart" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      That would be true if there hadn't already been a long stream of complete fucking morons getting caught for "h4X0riNG."

    4. Re:Proof that being Computer Smart isn't "smart" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      "...Being 23 myself, and having significant mathematical and technical skills myself, I have always struggled with the challenges of fitting in socially with those whose interests differ from my own."

      Here's a big tip, Mr. Social Outcast: There's this concept called "modesty": you ought to try it sometime.

    5. Re:Proof that being Computer Smart isn't "smart" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Looks like you've reached the "bitter" stage

  97. How about that father? by Reality+Master+101 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    In a telephone interview after the appearance, Heckenkamp's father, Thomas Heckenkamp, said his son is only trying to protect his rights . "They've overstepped their bounds, and they're keeping him from defending himself," he said.

    What an idiot. My first thought was, "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree."

    --
    Sometimes it's best to just let stupid people be stupid.
  98. As the adage goes.. by MrByte420 · · Score: 1

    A person who defends himself in court has a fool for a lawyer...

    --
    If religous zealots don't believe in Evolution, then why are they so worried about bird flu?
  99. It's the Ted Kazinsky strategy! by TheNarrator · · Score: 1

    He's trying to feign insanity and fire all his lawyers just like Ted Kazinsky did so the judge will just give him a plea bargain instead of sitting through a circus of a trial. Trouble is Ted was probably a little better at playing the legal system then this kid is. I think he's in over his head. That or he's in the midst of a manic spell.

  100. No wonder he's loony by BlueF · · Score: 1

    "prohibited by court order from using cell phones, the Internet, computers, video games and fax machines."

    That's pretty harsh for a technofile. Hell, I'm thinking the worse punishment would not be to put this poor sod in jail, but to continue his parole with these prohibitions. It's enough to drive a geek insane!

    And really, I can see why (given current technology) cell phones and video games were restricted. But, geeze...fax machines? How is this guy supposed to hack eBay with/from a fax machine?

  101. Today's agenda by trauma · · Score: 1

    - Kick/ban the prosecuting attorney, explaining to the jury that use of all caps is interpreted as shouting and considered rude. Inform the prosecuter that he has been "pwnt".
    - Call the judge a "newb" if he appears to disagree with Heckencamp's reasoning.
    - Threaten to ban the United States' entire subnet for a repeat offense.
    - Plead "not guilty by reason of total pwnage, hahahahahaha!!!!!1111111"

  102. All capital letters as a defense.... by marketnoize · · Score: 0, Troll

    You guys may laugh at him, but legally, all capital letters signifies a corporation, or a ficticious entity.

    Look at your driver's license, passport, etc, and you'll see that your name is spelled in all capital letters.

    I vaguely remember a 1992 case involving Austin Cooper, where the DOJ prosecuter reveals some of your rights as a corporate citizen (sorry I don't have more details).

    The guy is obviously in desperation; if he could prove his citizenship as a corporate entity rather than as an individual, maybe he could limit his liability in that "acts that his corporation engaged in", possibly reducing his sentence.

    Its a technicality, but this guy is obivously grasping for anything. :-)

    Jim
    http://www.marketnoize.com

    1. Re:All capital letters as a defense.... by Lionel+Hutts · · Score: 3, Funny

      You, sir, are insane.

      Either that, or I've just been trolled -- in which case, Congratulations.

      --
      I Can't Believe It's A Law Firm, LLP does not necessarily endorse the contents of this message.
    2. Re:All capital letters as a defense.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative
      legally, all capital letters signifies a corporation, or a ficticious entity.

      Uhh, yes we're laughing at him. And now we're laughing at you.

      From http://www.adl.org/mwd/suss4.htm:

      tax evader complained of "his name being in capital letters in a prior order issued by this Court and then ... makes an incorrect reference to this form of using all capital letters as being proper only in reference to corporate entities. This is an incorrect statement of the law and ... is illustrative of [his] continued harassing and frivolous behavior."
  103. Hey. maybe I'll go watch... by HiredMan · · Score: 2
    Hey, just (accidently) read the article - after posting about it 3 times of course - and I see that his trial is going to be where I live.

    Maybe if he doesn't retain a lawyer by then I'll go watch... it could be funny.

    "An idiot who represents himself has an idiot for a..." wait...

    =tkk

  104. Very sad by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Aside from the fact that this kid appearantly has no grasp of the formalities required in a courtroom, it does appear like he's frantically reaching for straws or trying to cause some sort of a smokescreen.

    He can't possibly be this stupid. He's stressed to the gills, very young and not socially equipped to handle the pressure (A geek). His PARENTS should be the one's guiding him as best they can, which they obviously are not.

    Sadly, it's simpler to walk away after murdering your wife than it is to get away with hacking a web site.

    Anonymous Coward? I think not! I'm just too lazy to remember another password.

  105. Federal Judges: Be VERY VERY Careful !!!!!!!!! by justanyone · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Don't piss off Federal Judges. Municipal judges, maybe. State court judges, work real hard to be nice to 'em. Federal Judges - um, pretend they're God and remember you aren't.

    Federal Judges are appointed by the President and approved by the senate. We have a lot of unfilled judgeships because it takes so long to put through the appointments. Congress, the President, the Supremes, the FBI, INS, and basically The Entire Federal Bureaucracy know many of their names personally and like to be in their good graces. They Get Things Done and they Dispense Justice to BAD GUYS.

    I know, they probably eat cheesburgers and fart like the rest of us, but it's a very BAD thing to piss them off. These kind of courtroom stunts will get you put in small rooms with Bad Guys and your anatomy will never be the same.

    "Don't play games with these guys! They can lock you up in a room and throw away the Room!" -Lithgow in 'Manhattan Project'.

    1. Re:Federal Judges: Be VERY VERY Careful !!!!!!!!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      Well, you've certainly summed up that scared-into-submission attitude that's so popular among Americans these days!

    2. Re:Federal Judges: Be VERY VERY Careful !!!!!!!!! by jebell · · Score: 1

      I agree. I'm a state prosecutor in Florida. I love it when people try to pull this stuff. I think the judge figured this was his third strike. Strike one was firing his first lawyer; strike two was firing his second. He is entitled to represent himself if he wants, just as he is entitled to a lawyer, but it appears he has a fool for a client.

      --
      This is my sig. There are many like it but this one is mine.
    3. Re:Federal Judges: Be VERY VERY Careful !!!!!!!!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Your comment could almost qualify as being the 2nd post in one day as have a legitimate reason from including a valid link to goatse.cx, too bad you didn't include it. (i.e., instead of 'your anatomy will never be the same; your anatomy will look like this').

    4. Re:Federal Judges: Be VERY VERY Careful !!!!!!!!! by lildogie · · Score: 2

      So how did Microsoft get away with baldly fabricating evidence?

      (I'm talking about the falsified video about the removal of Internet Explorer, where the desktop changed from one release to the other, belying a major time lapse, to say the least.)

      When I heard about that, I thought that the attorneys presenting that perjury would land in jail. Instead they just got a little lecture and that was that.

  106. AMEN by rizzo · · Score: 1

    Ben Stone (Michael Moriarty) is god. Waterston is weak.

    The best seasons of that show are with the Ben Stone and Paul Robinette (Richard Brooks) tag-team. I want to name my children Ben and Paul. My wife doesn't share my enthusiasm. Perhaps threatening her with some "Stone" cold contempt
    charges will bring her around ...

    And belated props on the Leonard J. Crabs reference. The "J" stands for GOOD JOB!

    --

    "More organs means more human." - Zim

    1. Re:AMEN by TheGreenLantern · · Score: 1

      Nice to see someone got that.

      --

      It hurts when I pee.
    2. Re:AMEN by rizzo · · Score: 1

      I haven't seen any more tales of Leonard's courtroom heroics on behalf of Lowtax. I miss them. I would sit at work and literally have tears in my eyes from laughing so hard. The best was when he had his client referred to as "the Marquee Mark".

      --

      "More organs means more human." - Zim

    3. Re:AMEN by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Ben Stone (Michael Moriarty) is WEAK. Waterston saved the show.

      Up here in Canada we get the news reports about Ben Stone's Training for the show, he gets arrested regularly for being drunk in public, about two months ago he made the news again when he got beat up outside a bar in Vancouver and could not help the police because he was to drunk to be able to remember who did it.
      Mr. Moriarty is a good actor, but you also need reliability in an employee!

  107. one little thing everyone must remember by Lumpy · · Score: 2

    Only the stupid thieves and criminals get caught.

    and this one is an example of stupidity.

    Nothing really to see here other than an idiot getting a good whipping.

    --
    Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
  108. Apple doesn't fall far from the tree by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Sound's like his father is as stupid as he is.

  109. Re:Mirror by Schrodinger's+Mouse · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    "FIRST POST!", then goatse.cx, then this... oy.

    --

    *****

    There are many people in this country who, through no fault of their own, are sane.

  110. Threatening a judge works!! by evilpaul13 · · Score: 3, Funny

    I did 1 1/2 years ago, and I'm planning on fulfilling that threat in about 18 1/2 (bail time, baby!)

  111. No, using the Microsoft tactic... by SuperKendall · · Score: 1

    of trying to anger the judge so much the judge does something that gets his punishment overturned on appeal.

    The judge however seems not to anger easily... bad choice.

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
  112. prize? by QuantumG · · Score: 1

    you have a link that is any less vague?

    --
    How we know is more important than what we know.
    1. Re:prize? by Farce+Pest · · Score: 2, Informative

      http://cr.yp.to/qmail/guarantee.html

      --
      This message has been scanned for memes and dangerous content by MindScanner, and is believed to be unclean.
    2. Re:prize? by balloonpup · · Score: 1

      Try looking here: The qmail security guarentee

      --
      I sing the doggie electric!
  113. Re:[OT] Stephen Hill by astinus · · Score: 0

    Agreed - his replacement comes close to ruining the legal side of show for me.

    And did you see the episode when he "left"? No big important/exciting episode for Schiff (one of my favorites is the one where Hennessey's character dies; incredibly well written and directed), just Giuliani coming in and mumbling that Schiff, for whatever reason, decided to head up a JCC. ???

    (For the record, McCoy's flawed hero is way better than Stone's moral outrage.)

    --
    Hard work has a future payoff. Laziness pays off now.
  114. The idiot forgot... by Rogerborg · · Score: 3, Insightful

    ... that there are seven versions of every story in court.

    • Your version.
    • Your opponent's version.
    • Your attorney's version.
    • Your opponent's attorney's version.
    • The truth.
    • What actually happened.

    And the only one that actually matters:

    • The one that the judge decides to create from the other six.

    You know why judges find people guilty of contempt of court? It's because they can. If you or I could lock people up for contempt of us we'd need a heck of a lot more prisons. Dumb doesn't begin to sum this guy up. Perhaps he's trying to cop a diminished responsibility plea, or perhaps he genuinely doesn't understand that you don't kick the biggest kid in school in the pants then start reading the constitution at him.

    --
    If you were blocking sigs, you wouldn't have to read this.
    1. Re:The idiot forgot... by glastonbur · · Score: 1
      • The truth.
      • What actually happened.


      How are those two different, exactly?
    2. Re:The idiot forgot... by I_redwolf · · Score: 1

      The truth is elusive what actually happened isn't

  115. Perhaps some fine parenting... by sterno · · Score: 5, Funny

    To quote from the article:

    In a telephone interview after the appearance, Heckenkamp's father, Thomas Heckenkamp, said his son is only trying to protect his rights . "They've overstepped their bounds, and they're keeping him from defending himself," he said.

    I think this commentary speaks volumes about why this kid is there in the first place. Btw, yes, he's 22, and I say "kid" because he's acting like a child. But anyhow, if your child is acting like a tremendous idiot in the courtroom and your instinct is to criticize the court, you may have to accept that you are part of the problem. I'm not going to sit here and suggest that somehow this kid is blameless because his dad
    is apparently an idiot. Just pointing out that Darwinian evolution should smite this particular mutation fast :).

    I'm just hoping that we aren't going to get some stupid campaign trying to fight for this kids rights as though he's some hero of the Internet.

    --
    This sig has been temporarily disconnected or is no longer in service
    1. Re:Perhaps some fine parenting... by labtec6 · · Score: 1

      They already have a site for this guy.

      Free Sk8 is this guy alias on the internet, and this is, obviously, a site that is all for freeing him.

      Even has a picture of the guy. He looks like a kid.

      It even has a FAQ on him.

    2. Re:Perhaps some fine parenting... by connorbd · · Score: 2

      Who would join? This kid must be setting some kind of record for stupidity...

      /Brian

    3. Re:Perhaps some fine parenting... by MacDude1 · · Score: 1

      I agree. This father, like the idiot who fathered Johnny Bin Walker are, in significant part, responsible for the idiotic behavior of their children.

      Hah! Next, we'll see Katie Couric and Rosie O'Donnell trying to raise money to help this nimrod defend himself.

      --
      -- Those of you who think you know it all are very annoying to those of us who do.
    4. Re:Perhaps some fine parenting... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      What do you expect him to say? "My kid is a total loser who can't think his way out of a wet paper bag? He deserves the chair! But only after he gets hung by his balls!" Is that what you expected? Do you have kids? Or parents?

    5. Re:Perhaps some fine parenting... by Kickstart70 · · Score: 1

      I see you'll be a useful parent too

      What a GOOD parent would do is admit that his kid is being an asstard but still defend his rights. The two are not mutually exclusive. Quite simply, 'sk8' (which must be the #1 dumbass nickname), is in waaay over his head, and doesn't have the good sense to realize it. All the while his father makes excuses for his kid's behaviour as "defending his rights". Well, that method of defending his rights will get 'sk8' put in jail for a long time.

      When the justice system nabs you, they have all the power. Insults, accusations, excuse-making (ie. the ALLCAPS defense) serve no purpose other than to make the representatives of the justice system angry. At no point in this process are these representatives going to say, "Oh...I guess you are right. We'll just let you go now. Sorry" and to expect that (which this child seems to be doing), is lunacy or at the very absolute least a mindboggling lack of wisdom.

      To hear his father follow that same line of thought shows how the child learned it. There is nothing preventing a father from loving a child, but that doesn't mean a father has to love the childs actions.

      Kickstart

    6. Re:Perhaps some fine parenting... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Did it ever occur to you he may actually be innocent of the charges?? If they(our so-called "justice" system)actually thought they had real evidence to support their charges, would they really be willing to plea bargain down to one fairly minor charge?

      And is "kickstart70" any better a nickname than "sk8"??

    7. Re:Perhaps some fine parenting... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      no shit, heres a transcript of one of their conversations
      "Hey dad wasn't it great that an american ship got a big hole blown in it! By the way can you send me some more money for school?"
      "Sure son!"
      durrrr

    8. Re:Perhaps some fine parenting... by bitbin · · Score: 1

      while i agree with this comment, i don't agree with it being labeled as "(Score:5, Funny)" even though i usually do find the stupidity of others funny, in this case it's damn sad.

    9. Re:Perhaps some fine parenting... by qaggaz · · Score: 1
      if he is innocent, then perhaps he has nothing to worry about, afterall, it is up to the prosecution to present its case beyond a reasonable doubt. He certainly is not "acting innocent," however.


      Did you consider that the plea bargain could be an attempt to save tax-payer money and preserve some dignigty for the defendant. Afterall, he is just a foolish student, perhaps they just wanted to give him a chance to straighten out and complete his graduate degree.

    10. Re:Perhaps some fine parenting... by Kickstart70 · · Score: 1

      What I posted had nothing to do with the charges at all. It had everything to do with the fact that 'sk8' was being an idiot in court, which is a dangerous place to be an idiot.

      And if 'Kickstart' had been available, I wouldn't have switched to 'Kickstart70'. And if you had any balls you'd post non-anonymously.

      Kickstart

  116. i love how his father *defends* him by egomaniac · · Score: 2

    In a telephone interview after the appearance, Heckenkamp's father, Thomas Heckenkamp, said his son is only trying to protect his rights . "They've overstepped their bounds, and they're keeping him from defending himself," he said.

    I wonder if I'm the only one who would have said "I have no idea when my son turned into such a moron. I bet the little bastard is on drugs."

    I mean -- seriously -- I know you're supposed to stand up for your children and all that, but this kid's father is an idiot. They've "overstepped their bounds" by arresting your son for illegal activities? The judge has been quite patient with the kid, it seems, considering that contempt of court hasn't been added to the list of charges. Makes you wonder how good of a father the guy is.

    --
    ZFS: because love is never having to say fsck
  117. 85 years is out of control,murder is 5 years by Vx1 · · Score: 1, Insightful

    85 years is out of control,murder is 5 years
    and what did he do , hack some companies
    whoopee, a human life is far more important than a website of company, the people who have sentenced this guy should be in Jail for obstruction of justice

    1. Re:85 years is out of control,murder is 5 years by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Microsoft is closely affiliated with eBay.

      Microsoft has it's hand up the USA governments ass, and is playing them like a fucking puppet.

      Don't fuck with the corporate big boys.

    2. Re:85 years is out of control,murder is 5 years by Xerithane · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Uh, please go read up a little bit more.

      I think you would be very hard pressed to find a murder conviction go anywhere near the 5 year mark. 7 maybe, on a Murder 3 count but today that would be hard pressed. Manslaughter on the other hand...

      We're not taking his life away either, he's being punished for his actions. He is still perfectly free to live and breath, just inside bars. His choice, he made the choice to do the crime so I have no pity for him when he is getting raped by a bald guy named Bubba while security guards cheer in the background.

      --
      Dacels Jewelers can't be trusted.
  118. Re:Jesus Christ, Taco, LEARN TO SPELL by elefantstn · · Score: 1, Redundant

    Most of the misspellings that appeared originally have been corrected. An example - "challanging" for "challenging."

    --
    If it ain't broke, you need more software.
  119. Amen! Remember Clarence Darrow by mikosullivan · · Score: 2, Interesting
    Clarence Darrow was one of the best defense lawyers of all time, and he knew it. So when he himself was put on trial, what did he do? He got himself a lawyer. He knew that defending yourself is stupid.

    Trivia: that fact about Darrow was cited to the Supreme Court when it was considering the idea that defendents have a legel right to have a lawyer appointed and paid for on their behalf if they can't afford one themselves.

    -Miko

    --
    Miko O'Sullivan
  120. Re:Jesus Christ, Taco, LEARN TO SPELL by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I have to agree (well, not with the Lord's name
    in vain part, but the point of the comment).

    If you want to charge for this site, that is, go
    from 'amateur' to 'professional', then the
    editing needs to also make the transition from
    amateur to professional. There just isn't an
    excuse.

    How could someone, day after day, convince the
    world that they either aren't smart enough to
    spell or aren't smart enough to spell check, and
    not be bothered by it? I can't understand it.

    This is your reputation, dude! Show some pride!

  121. Well now.. what about? by matth · · Score: 2

    Indeed this is something interesting. All caps signifies a business, and in this case it is not a business but a person, unless of course the court system has created a business out of him and is Doing Busines As him through Social Security and that type of thing.

    1. Re:Well now.. what about? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      So what does all italics signify?
      My guess is "failure to learn basic HTML".

    2. Re:Well now.. what about? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Actually it signifies me copying and pasting from another website that I maintain.

  122. Extreme Moderation by rjamestaylor · · Score: 3, Interesting
    Who wasted a mod point on this? It's a Score:0 AC post that would be trashed by the system once archived. Who would be distracted by a threaded 0 Score post? Isn't there some comment at 0 or 1 that is Interesting, Insightful, Funny? Or a level 2 or higher that is overrated, flamebait, or in need of further promoting? Are all the other candidate posts moderated sufficiently and this lowly, unobtrusive post was the only option remaining? Or did the moderator have too many mod points and was trying to dump them quickly (like dot.com options)?

    Oh - one other thing - it arguably was on topic. It was a direct reply to a direct reply that was itself on topic.

    I'm always bemused at worthless moderating.

    --
    -- @rjamestaylor on Ello
    1. Re:Extreme Moderation by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Mod parent DOWN.

      (-1, Too much time on hands)

    2. Re:Extreme Moderation by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      (-1, Too much time on hands)

      If only this were true!

  123. Spelling the way you do... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    ...is a bit like tattooing the word "moron" on your forehead.

    I'd rather be off-topic than an imbecile.

    1. Re:Spelling the way you do... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      "Spelling the way you do is a bit like tattooing the word "moron" on your forehead."

      Goddamn right it is... fucking semi-literate shit-for-brains MS users!

      You can spot 'em by their egregious spelling and grammar, every time.

      Furthermore, if they had a modicum of intelligence they'd not use that fucking hellish Windows crapola.

  124. Everything you wanted to know about Jerome by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    (and the case), but were afraid to ask- http://www.freesk8.org/

    A clearinghouse page put up by his supporters.

    Can't say I'm one of them, but some of it is interesting reading.

  125. A Translation by Cheshire+Cat · · Score: 1
    Hello,

    I've read your posting and decided to translate a portion of it into English for the benefit of the other Slashdot readers. Your comments, obviously, are in italics.


    Whether that's the case here is, of course, another story, but I've become increasingly distrustful of government and law "enforcement".


    Read: I got a ticket for speeding the other day. Its disgraceful the way the so-called legal authorities can harrass a man for the so-called crime of going 85 in a 55 zone.



    I am a vocal critic of abuses of state power,


    Read: I'm the old man who sits in the City Council meetings and annoys everyone by my pointless argueing over trivial matters. But the law clearly states that the forms that the Animal Control officer filled out when he removed the 84 cats from my trailer needed to be filled out in *black* ink, yet they were done in *blue*. Gestapo tactics!!



    engage in minor civil disobedience myself (I used a deCSS-derived program to watch DVDs that I bought on a GNU/Linux computer because I neither want to spend the money on Windows® nor trust it to be spyware-free)


    Read: I'm incredibly cheap and I've found a marvellous way to rationalize it.



    , and fully expect to wind up in prison someday for my thoughts, when I see crap like this.


    Read: I have an overinflated sense of self-importance. In my mind I'm Emma Goldman, but to everyone else I'm just a crank that manages to amuse everyone with his annoying habits.



    I can not just shut up and live a lie.

    Read: Well, the first half of that sentance is true, at least.

    --

    Last night I shot an elephant in my pajamas. How he got in my pajamas I'll never know.
    1. Re:A Translation by zhrike · · Score: 1

      Hi. I've read your reply to the previous posting, and decided to translate it into rational-human speak so as to expose the true intent behind my blathering. Your comments shall be preceded by the phrase, 'Thus the moron spake:'

      Thus the moron spake:
      "Hello,

      Read:
      Hello.

      Thus the moron spake:
      "I've read your posting and decided to translate a portion of it into English for the benefit of the other Slashdot readers. Your comments, obviously, are in italics."

      Read:
      Though I later state that you have an inflated sense of self-importance, it of course can not rival mine. In fact, I think I am so important and all-knowing that I am going to attempt to use juvenile humor to spin your cogent thoughts into something akin to my own.

      Thus the moron spake:
      "Read: I got a ticket for speeding the other day. Its disgraceful the way the so-called legal authorities can harrass a man for the so-called crime of going 85 in a 55 zone."

      Read:
      Though I am utterly clueless when it comes to the processes of government and law, I watch the news, and they say that being a critical thinker is bad (well, they don't _say_ it) and anti-patriotic, and therefore you must be exhibiting selfish thoughts...because that is what I would do in your case, therefore you suck.

      Thus the moron spake:
      "Read: I'm the old man who sits in the City Council meetings and annoys everyone by my pointless argueing over trivial matters. But the law clearly states that the forms that the Animal Control officer filled out when he removed the 84 cats from my trailer needed to be filled out in *black* ink, yet they were done in *blue*. Gestapo tactics!!"

      Read:
      In the unlikely event you were unsure of my immaturity, insecurity, and inability to form rational thoughts imbued with humor and insight, here you are.

      Thus the moron spake:
      "Read: I'm incredibly cheap and I've found a marvellous way to rationalize it."

      Read:
      Gurgle blah grr grumble grumbly.

      Thus the moron spake:
      "Read: I have an overinflated sense of self-importance. In my mind I'm Emma Goldman, but to everyone else I'm just a crank that manages to amuse everyone with his annoying habits."

      Read:
      I have an overinflated sense of self-importance. In my mind I'm Emma Goldman, but to everyone else I'm just a crank that manages to amuse everyone with his annoying habits.

      Good job, Slappy. Now go get yer fucking shine box.

    2. Re:A Translation by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Wow, that was a pathetic imitation. Here's a quarter, sparky. Now go buy yourself some intelligence. Don't come back to Slashdot without it, clownfuck!!

  126. I object by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    to your use of the word "jihad" in this context. This term has a negative connotation among those not of the Islamic faith.

    You should instead use the more culturally appropriate term "crusade" which is well understood by members of Western civilization to mean a great and passionate struggle against evil or indifference.

    1. Re:I object by renehollan · · Score: 2
      I am sorry that you are offended, but I used the word jihad precisely because of its negative misconnotations, and applied them to a deserving target (an oft-abusive government) that frequently uses the same interpretation in it's use of the word.

      "Crusade" would be far too noble a word to describe the struggles of an often-abusive government.

      --
      You could've hired me.
  127. What caused his downfall? by nolife · · Score: 2

    This person is very smart. He even completed collage at 18. Why would such an intellegent person act like this suddenly snap? He MUST have played violent video games when he was a teenager.

    --
    Bad boys rape our young girls but Violet gives willingly.
    1. Re:What caused his downfall? by thunker · · Score: 0

      Completing a collage at 18 does not make you smart. I remember making collages during art period in 4th (or was it 5th) grade.
      He may be good with computers but it is pretty clear he has trouble dealing with other humans and the real world.

    2. Re:What caused his downfall? by TheAwfulTruth · · Score: 2

      Intelligence and insanity are kissing cousins. The excess of brain activity can lead to one or ther other or a combination of the two. Who knows what shapes the ratios?

      And your ad hoc conclusion about video games I'll take as a joke, since, heh, if it were serious, I'd have to assume that you were more insane than ntelligent :)

      --
      Contrary to popular belief, coding is not all free blow-jobs and beer. Those things cost MONEY!
  128. Re:Jesus Christ, Taco, LEARN TO SPELL by blues5150 · · Score: 1

    I love the fact that this whole thread; which was at Score:5 has not been rated down to 2 or worse.

    --

  129. Re:Jesus Christ, Taco, LEARN TO SPELL by MikeDX · · Score: 1

    That just makes me think of the spam I got recently, telling me "your gonna need our help to get your site professional".

  130. Schizophrenic? by MobyDisk · · Score: 5, Insightful

    IANAP (I am not a psychiatrist) but Mr. Heckenkamp sounds like he is a schizophrenic, or like he is playing to sound like one. He is about the right age (22) for this disorder to become apparent. His intelligence and criminal behavior also fit the common model for schizophrenia.

    1. Re:Schizophrenic? by AntiChristX · · Score: 1

      No, you are definitely not a Psychiatrist. This kid isn't schitzo... he's a turd.

      --
      AntiChristX
      Daring to remain below 5 karma indefinitely
    2. Re:Schizophrenic? by Ether+Trogg · · Score: 1
      That's a possibility, but as we've seen from the recent trial of Andrea Yates, being diagnosed as mentally ill does not mean that you will be found not guilty by reason of mental defect (aka: insanity.)

      In fact, the term "insanity" is a legal term, not a medical term. It's used as a legal definition for a person who has a mental illness that prevents him/her from being able to distinguish right from wrong, or from being able to understand the consequences of the criminal actions he/she had performed. The exact definition varies from state to state, and from nation to nation.

      So, Heckenkamp may well be schizophrenic. He may be -- to use a highly technical term -- nutty as a fruit cake. But that doesn't help him in the least. A jury would have to find that his mental illness was so severe that he was incapable of knowing that his criminal actions were wrong, and I highly doubt that's going to happen.

      On top to that, if Mr. Heckenkamp is trying for an "insanity" defence, he then opens himself up to a whole slew of legal mess. The judge can order him to have a representing attorney, and the prosecution can have his mental health examined, and admitted as evidence in the trial. It's very difficult to fake mental illness; psychiatrists can generally spot the pretenders.

      Add to that the fact that the insanity defence rarely succeeds, and Mr. Heckenkamp's options grow increasingly dim.

      The most he can hope for, if he's attempting some form of "insanity" defence, is for the judge to rule him incompetent to stand trial, in which case he'd be remanded to a mental-health hospital until such time as he was found competent.

      So far, it appears that the only incompetence Heckenkamp has is his gross misunderstanding of the American legal system.

      --
      "The dead do not shoo-bop-aloo-bah." -- Kai, 'Lexx'
    3. Re:Schizophrenic? by hdreau · · Score: 1

      NO, criminal behavior DON'T fit the common model for schizophrenia. Perhaps in the movies but not in the real life.

      Hervé

  131. Re:Jesus Christ, Taco, LEARN TO SPELL by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    You are incorrect in thinking that the apostrophe does not mean what I use it to: it certainly does. It is fully standard and understood by everyone to represent dialect phonetically with an apostrophe at the end, and this applies equally to "eye dialect", where you spell a word as it's pronounced, even though the pronounciation' is already standard. This is, again, I repeat, a standard usage. (As is, e.g., when someone abbreviates intl' like that, instead of like int.l basically, anytime you change the spelling of a word, you have the right to show this with an apostrophe at the end, whether this be as representation of dialect or nonstandard spelling, or even any of my uses, especially the gerund one, since anothe 'standard' usage of the apostrophe is to signal the loss or omission of something, as the o in can't)

  132. Re:A defendant who represents himself... by cperciva · · Score: 2

    I *did* read the article.

    My point was that the court can appoint a lawyer to defend him even if he doesn't want it; if a defendant proves himself incapable of defending himself (as this guy seems to be) then the court can refuse to allow him to represent himself.

  133. Re:Dayum! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    You can't do 4|\||)in leet? Fucking "Geek In Training" is right, bitch.

    347 |\/|3

    It's only Geek in Training because I signed up for an account 4 years ago when I started this job, two promotions and 50 karma points ago! (User 12075 :P)

    Feeding trolls since... well, this morning!

  134. FREE JEROME!! by 8Complex · · Score: 0

    And soon it will start. ;-)

  135. Federal pound-you-in-the-ass prison by chiph · · Score: 1

    Jerome - You could have been sentenced to white-collar resort prison with conjugal visits. But now you're on your way to Federal pound-you-in-the-ass prison, where you'll be rooming with a guy who has one too many Y-chromosomes.

    Just shut the hell up, and let a qualified attorney speak for you.

    BTW: I understand that Thursdays are shower days. Pucker up!

  136. Law & Order by someonehasmyname · · Score: 0

    Law & Order rules.

    --
    Common sense is not so common.
  137. University or Wisconsin by hendridm · · Score: 2

    This guy graduated from the UW at age 18. IIRC, he was a TA for the CS department too. Smart guy. Perhaps it's a testament to their CS departments ability to graduate talented CS students, but perhaps they should also require a law class in the curriculum.

    1. Re:University or Wisconsin by Havokmon · · Score: 2
      This guy graduated from the UW at age 18.....Perhaps it's a testament to their CS departments ability to graduate talented CS students

      Well, I went to UWWaukesha for two months when I was 18, and I was a damn talented CS student working in the computer lab on the weekends.

      Maybe if I would have spent more than two months there, I could have been a TA, and acted REALLY stupid. :)

      But alas.. Something kept sneaking out of my pants..

      --
      "I can't give you a brain, so I'll give you a diploma" - The Great Oz (blatently stolen sig)
  138. Re:Sam Waterson by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Jesus H Christ, that was some funny shit. Mod that guy up.

  139. Whats up with Slashdot? by BoneFlower · · Score: 2

    Are you guys making this a humour site?

  140. I actually interviewed him for a job once. by nvts-NUTS · · Score: 3, Interesting
    I remember it quite vividly. It was about 6 months before the whole hacking incident at Los Alamos happened. After talking with him for about an hour I found him to be a very smart individual.

    Working for a large company at the time they had all sorts of tests applicants had to go through. Apparently, he didn't score well enough on the tests for my bosses liking because despite my recommendation he didn't get the job.

    I guess I'm kind of glad he didn't get the job.

  141. Everyone should observe court at least once. by bluGill · · Score: 2

    Court rooms, by law (fair and speedy public trial, so really constitution) are open the the public except in extreem cases. It is the responsibility of every american to attend court once in a while to see how the judges are doing, and how court works.

    I took a Canadian to a court one time to watch. (we had spend all morning walking, and the nearby court was a good place to sit down, not to mention educational). I recall some interesting lessions.

    One guy was sentenced to 7 days in jail for some offense. His lawyer spoke up and said "He now has a job, and so we would prefer his sentence be on weekends or overnight so he can work. The judge then arranged for the guy to report to jail at 6:00 friday night, and leave monday morning at 6:00. This counts as 4 days. As the judge was considering how to deal with the next 3 days, the lawyer said He was arrested at night, but couldn't make bail until morning. The judge looked that up, and said there is no point in one day in jail, I'll suspend one day for a year, if you have no further trouble that will go off your record. As they were leaving the judge turned to that guy and said something I'll remember for a long time

    Now you see why you have a lawyer
    .
  142. He needs a new law-talkin' fella... by subVorkian · · Score: 1

    Maybe he went to the Lionel Hutz school of law: "Cases won in 30 minutes or your pizza's free"

    -------

  143. Comment removed by account_deleted · · Score: 2

    Comment removed based on user account deletion

  144. Missing thoughts by bryan1945 · · Score: 2

    I only read at +2, but it looked like everyone kinda missed the fact that JAIL SUCKS! I had the mis-opportunity to spend 2 months in that fun-fun place, and someone should try to impress on this jackass kid that jail is no fun, no freedom, and will suck the soul out of you.

    Sorry for the rant- reformed idiots are like reformed smokers!

    --
    Vote monkeys into Congress. They are cheaper and more trustworthy.
  145. what exactlly did he do? by edrugtrader · · Score: 3, Interesting

    'hacked lycos' 'hacked ebay'....

    what exactlly did he do? find? he didn't get my max-bids did he?!?!

    --
    MARIJUANA, SHROOMS, X: ONLINE?! - E
    1. Re:what exactlly did he do? by Peyna · · Score: 2

      eBay has a lot of credit card numbers, etc. since they require one in order to sell stuff.

      --
      What?
  146. Re:[OT] Stephen Hill by connorbd · · Score: 2

    I have to say I like McCoy as a character myself. As a lawyer... I think they've made him into the sort of DA that people would despise if he was a criminal lawyer, and I'm not sure an episode where he gets spanked for prosecutorial misconduct isn't overdue.

    It's a great show, though; bring back Carey Lowell whimper whimper...

    /Brian

  147. Why is everyone taking this as a joke? by AlistairMcMillan · · Score: 0

    Usually when a computer enthusiast is ridiculed in the media, most people on Slashdot rush to defend them. Why is it different this time?

    Has anyone taken a moment to read anything about this aside from the two links CmdrTaco posted above.

    The reason he fired his attorney is that she told him he would lose the case if he plead not guilty. Now I don't know about you, but if I was innocent and my lawyer told me to plead guilty or go to jail, I'd start looking for new representation too.

    Also the article linked on HackerDigest is inaccurate on at least one count. qmail is not owned by Qualcomm. qmail was not the program that Jerome discovered the exploit in. qpopper is.

    For information that may be more accurate or at least present the other side of the argument, try here http://www.freesk8.org/.

    1. Re:Why is everyone taking this as a joke? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Usually when a computer enthusiast is ridiculed in the media, most people on Slashdot rush to defend them. Why is it different this time?

      Becase, bluntly put, this guy is an idiot.

      Mitnick got railroaded. But he kept his head, and didn't look like a moron.

      Sklyarov got busted for breaking an immoral law, of which he was innocent.

      This guy is a moron. He ditched one of the finest lawyers he could get, because she didn't "get it"

      if I was innocent and my lawyer told me to plead guilty or go to jail, I'd start looking for new representation too.

      Yeah, and what if you're guilty?

      The lawyer basically said "they have you dead to rights - there is no way you can win this." He should have 'fessed up, instead of acting like a moron (trying to get out on a technicality - which is really an urban myth - qualifies him as a moron.)

    2. Re:Why is everyone taking this as a joke? by lamont116 · · Score: 2, Informative
      The reason he fired his attorney is that she told him he would lose the case if he plead not guilty [securityfocus.com]. Now I don't know about you, but if I was innocent and my lawyer told me to plead guilty or go to jail, I'd start looking for new representation too.


      In federal court, you do not want to go to trial and be found guilty. The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines practically ensure that you will get a longer sentence if you go to trial (no 2- or 3- level reduction for "acceptance of responsibility" and possible 2-level enhancement for "obstruction of justice" if you testify and the judge decides that you lied on the stand, as a starting point). You are better off pleading to the original charge (even if no reduced charge is available) than being found guilty. A lawyer who doesn't urge a clearly guilty defendant to plead is not doing her job, especially in a federal criminal case, and some lawyers have been found constitutionally ineffective when a client receives a long sentence following trial having rejected a plea offer (see Boria v. Keane in the Second Circuit; sorry, don't have a cite).

    3. Re:Why is everyone taking this as a joke? by AlistairMcMillan · · Score: 1

      A lawyer who doesn't urge a clearly guilty defendant to plead is not doing her job...


      So how do you know he is "clearly guilty"?
    4. Re:Why is everyone taking this as a joke? by lamont116 · · Score: 1

      Because the prosecutor shows you all the proof you need to see to arrive at that determination. When they have him cold, they look for a plea.

  148. Terminology: "hacker" and "cracker" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Maybe it's time to give up the fight. I mean, if /. can't get it right, there ain't much hope for the rest of Media World.

  149. five to the eye by OcabJ · · Score: 0, Troll

    it's obvious this guy needs to get laid.

  150. Note the subtle use of spelling in the article by ch-chuck · · Score: 4, Funny

    The computer whiz then asked the court

    Per dictionary.com:

    Wiz - A person considered exceptionally gifted or skilled.

    Whiz - To urinate.

    --
    try { do() || do_not(); } catch (JediException err) { yoda(err); }
  151. Re:ALTERNATE DEFENSE incase of Failure. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Inadmissible, since you need an Alternate Defense, and you have clearly specified an ALTERNATE DEFENSE.

  152. Another case of how C rots minds.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Evidently, overexposure to C caused this poor boy's lapse of reason. He assumed that legalese is case-sensitive.

  153. well, name this book by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    my mother is a fish

  154. Crackmonkey hacker by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Jesus Christ on a pogo stick! Did this guy get hit upside the head with a goofy stick or what? Did his parent's hold his head underwater at birth or was he just born stupid? His arguments would have been much more effective if he'd just run up and kicked the judge square in the nutsack! Christ, lock this guy up and throw away the jail - keep our streets safe for normal people!

  155. Not stupid, sick by dscottj · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Working for a national non-profit organization that advocates for the mentally ill for six years has given me some extra insights into how people behave when they develop a serious mental illness, go off their meds, are having a crisis, etc. No, IANAP (I Am Not a Psychiatrist), but I've seen enough folks at our annual convention wobbling off their meds to know this kid is in trouble. Classic, classic signs of serious mental illness. I only hope he gets help while he's in jail. You just can't imagine what it's like to watch a brilliant person's brain rot away.

    --
    AMCGLTD.COM. Where cats, science fictio
  156. Ahem... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    All of these people tend to be lumped in together as "extreme right-wingers". This group also includes the "militia" in the mostly-Western states, people who don't acknowledge the legitimate authority of the Federal government, white separtists, strident anti-immigration-ists, etc.

    I happen to be a true extreme right winger, but I do not run around committing felonies and ignoring reality of the system we are stuck with at the moment.

    Folks of like mind as me advocate elimination of a great majority of US federal and State law, including the elimination of licensing for non-commercial vehicle operation, etc.

    Some of the people you mention above should be properly classified as criminals.

    Sepratists of any race are just that, sepratists, with some being right wing and others being left wing, many inbetween. One could classify the followers of Malcom X as right wing sepratists, not wanting any services from the government and just wishing to be left alone by the outside society. Same with Randy Weaver and his family.
    Left wingers, like those that espouse government intervention to enforce segregation are found in groups like Arian Nation and neo-Nazi organizations (suprize! yes racists can be leftist).

    In short, yes you can call some of the people that do not like government intervention "right wing", but you can not lump everybody on that list above into the "right."

  157. Very good advice by Skraig · · Score: 1

    Doctors don't treat themselves for the same reason.
    You are too close to the problem to be objective.
    Know your rights, you have a right to a lawyer who can give you a competant defence.
    This is to help with due process, another important right.

    as the old .sig says
    Never invite Vampires or Police into your home.

    --
    --->Life is like that sometimes...
  158. I he was a real hacker by WyldOne · · Score: 2

    Just entering his name into the Justice computer would have rendered a judgement of 'not guilty'

    --

    make Linux, not Microsoft. sin(beast) = -0.809016994374947424102293417182819
  159. Defend himself by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    The Judge has striped him of any means to defend himself in the modern age lets see:

    No Cell phone access dont know but EVERY lawer has one.

    No Net access hrm how do you do any research.

    No Gaming well thats just wrong it's like saying you cant smoke.

    This kid was out on Bail we have gone down this slippery slope with invasive monitoring and stiff restrictions his bail time might as well be counted as time served in jail.

    Granted he would have about the same lvls of access to referance materials to build his defence in jail there is the problem to actauly defend ones self they need access to information to get access to decent sorts of information you need to get on a computer and generaly access the net paper is pase becuase it's a throw back inefecient slow to access and just plain cumbersome it's great for a couple things entertainment reading and the actualy Laws (it's hard to hack all the copies of a book :)

    1. Re:Defend himself by DimitryP · · Score: 1

      "No Net access hrm how do you do any research." well, they have these magical paper thingies called books. in fact, most big cities even have these large buildings called libraries, with many thousands of these books in them. many of these libraries even have books with the legal code in them. it really isnt that hard, it was done for years before the internet was invented. and nothing was said about his lawyers not being able to do internet research. of course, he fired his lawyers, proving that he was an idiot.

      --
      Guns are like umbrellas and condoms. Better to have one and not need it, than need it and not have one.
  160. IANAG, but... by realgone · · Score: 1
    > 1) First letter of each word, (which is really an acronym)

    Ehhh... not quite. Look up the definition for acronym:

    a word (as NATO, radar, or snafu) formed from the initial letter or letters of each of the successive parts or major parts of a compound term

    Thus, the first letter of each word does not necessarily an acronym make, however hard one might try to pronounce that resulting string as a word.

  161. ah the Kevin Poulsen defense! a Game Winner! by linuxislandsucks · · Score: 1

    did not Kevin Poulsen also pull some lame act liek this in his cases as well?

    --
    Don't Tread on OpenSource
  162. Re:A defendant who represents himself... by RembrandtX · · Score: 1

    oh .. true *duh*

    im not 100% sure the court can refuse to allow oneself to represent .. err ... oneself though .. can they ?

    i mean .. you DO have the right to refuse counsel.

    I dunno .. IANAL (never had to say that before) grin.

    --

    --Ne auderis delere orbem rigidum meum, non erravi pernicose!
  163. You're on crack by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    They're not anagrams. They don't even have the same number of letters.

    "Jerome T Heckencamp":
    acceeeehjkmmnoprt

    "A knee jerk cometh":
    aceeeehjkkmnort

  164. it's not contempt by hawk · · Score: 2
    It's bail revocation. After the bizarre behavior, the judge was no longer convinced that he would show up in the future, and revoked bail.


    hawk, esq.

  165. Serious Psychological Difficulties by penguin_nipple · · Score: 3, Informative
    This guy isn't just eccentric, from what the article is suggesting, he has symptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder and/or Oppositional Conduct Disorder. These are real disorders, which affect people across a broad range of society. Here's some info on ODD have a peek and tell me this guy is not suffering from a psychological disorder.

    For those of you who would rather not click through:

    A pattern of negativistic, hostile, and defiant behavior lasting at least six months during which four or more of the following are present:

    1. often loses temper
    2. often argues with adults
    3. often actively defies or refuses to comply with adults' requests or rules
    4. often deliberately annoys people
    5. often blames others for his or her mistakes or misbehavior
    6. is often touchy or easily annoyed by others
    7. is often angry and resentful
    8. is often spiteful and vindictive

    Although the website has more info.

    P.S. funny how that brief view of ODD describes alot of slashdot users! hahaha...smile, it's a joke

    1. Re:Serious Psychological Difficulties by gdr · · Score: 1

      How does this condition differ from Being a Jerk Disorder :-)

  166. unfortunately by hawk · · Score: 2
    Speaking from experience as an attorney, there are plenty of people just that stupid. I represented one who was the getaway driver for a casion robbery--and sat out front in *her* car as the getaway vehicle while his friends robbed *her* casino--and screwed up and hit *her* cage.


    The police had trouble with them during interrogation. They knew that they'd collected $80,000, and they each got $7,000 after an equal six way split. . . .


    so, yes, there are people this stupid. There is no lower bound to human intelligence.


    hawk, esq.

  167. Judge Ware? by _ph1ux_ · · Score: 2

    is it just me - or isnt it really ironic that the Judge's last name is Ware?

    in that - Warez decision puts Hackers away!

  168. one word by a_an_the · · Score: 1

    arrogance

  169. http://www.freesk8.org/ -- Jerome's Website by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    http://www.freesk8.org/ -- Is the website ran by Jerome Heckenkamp's supporters, and offers a lot of interesting information about him and his past.

  170. That is grammar wiseguy and this isnt the first by atari2600 · · Score: 0

    I have seen lots of errors here - who gives a fuck as long as the point gets across.

    1. Re:That is grammar wiseguy and this isnt the first by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I do. The more idiots mispell, the worse MY spelling and grammar get.

  171. Appropriate Punishment Unconstitutional by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    He needs a dope slap.

    Actually, he needs a bunch of them.

  172. cut the guy some clack by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I dont know why every one is insulting this guy Its obvious he just wants to make a mockery of the court.

    He isnt stupid he just doesnt care and is going to make a joke out of the whole thing.

  173. Kid? by GMontag · · Score: 2

    This is a kid we're talking about here, no?

    Well, no we are not talking about a kid, we are talking about an adult.

    When I was 23 I was both a business owner and an Air Defense Platoon Leader in the Army National Guard. Shortly thereafter I became an Aviator. Prior to that I was an Armor Officer, was actually an acting Tank Platoon Leader at the age of 19 (while I was an R.O.T.C. Cadet AND in a NAtional Guard unit). At 17 I was a Tank Crewman AND a highschool student.

    Whenever folks try to say someone in their 20s is "just young" or "a kid" it really rubs me the wrong way, like this case and in the "Talinban John" case. Yes, I jokingly speak of people in their 20s as "kids" but I do expect them to take responsibility as adults.

    BTW, I am 40 now. Yes I know more, but I was expected to act like an adult when I was in my teens and I expect the current crop of teens to do the same.

  174. One thing the author missed by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    RUN THE SPELL CHECKER!

    How people can get away with posting articles without checking for errors is beyond me. It makes an intelligent article look like the work of a 13 year old.

  175. How can it be? by tuxlove · · Score: 1

    How can someone so smart simultaneously be so stupid? This guy needs to acquire some maturity, discretion and common sense. He also needs to acquire an attorney much like the one he fired. The definition of someone who acts as his own attorney is "convict".

    I probably have as much disdain for our legal system as Mr. Heckenkamp, but to win the game you have to play by the rules. Of course, if you're guilty, it's that much harder to win even if you do play by the rules.

  176. Perhaps it's Asperger Syndrome? by csb · · Score: 1

    IANAD; but, could sk8's odd behavior possibly be explained by Asperger Syndrome?

    People with Asperger are often extremely bright, have a single, strong interest (which they talk about obsessively), take many things too literally, don't understand non-verbal social cues, spend lots of time in fantasy worlds, &c.

    I wonder whether this has anything to do with his strange reactions. Interestingly, Asperger seems to have an unusually high incidence in children whose parents are in the high-tech industry.

    Or, maybe he's just bipolar, and is delusional while in a manic state. I don't know much; but, I agree that the guy probably suffers from some sort of illness. =-(

    --
    We reserve the right to serve refuse to anyone. -management
  177. Re:A defendant who represents himself... by cperciva · · Score: 2

    You have the right to refuse counsel; but your right to a fair trial takes priority. If the court decides that you won't get a fair trial if you represent yourself, they can insist that you have legal representation.

    Usually this motion is put forward by the prosecuting attorneys, since the last thing any prosecutor wants is to win a case only to see it overturned because the defendant didn't get a fair trial.

  178. In Jail for Web Graffiti? by dugless · · Score: 1

    I am an employee of Los Alamos National Laboratory. I work in CCS-1. My boss hired Jerome. I speak for myself, not the Lab, nor my co-workers. What I can say is that support for him here runs high.

    I can understand why, by this time, Jerome might be acting in a way that appears a little loopy. He's lost his job and been put in jail for being merely accused of something which, even if true, amounts to spraying a graffito on a wall. I can drive down to Albuquerque and see plenty of that. If I were in that position, I would have little faith left in the justice system or the FBI.

    I find myself very angry at what has happened to him, and I would welcome the opportunity to work with him when the courts get finish this auto-da-fe.

    I've donated money to the legal defense fund at freesk8.org and encourage others to do likewise.

    1. Re:In Jail for Web Graffiti? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Hmmm... right now the challenge seems to be getting him to take a lawyer - any lawyer.

      Let me put it another way - you have just created a new oxymoron: "Give to the Jerome Heckenkamp legal defense fund".

    2. Re:In Jail for Web Graffiti? by dugless · · Score: 1

      I was just talking with someone who hired on with Jerome at LANL, and he speculated that Jerome might have been performing a scene from an Ayn Rand novel.

      He may (rightly?) realize at this point that having a lawyer is of no use when the system is so wack. This legal process seems like the textbook example of how to create Ted Kozinskis: you subject bright people to arbitrary and unending persecution until they become irrecoverably bitter and use their intelligence against society.

      I'd find it worthwhile just to contribute to his living expenses, since this young man has an awful lot to contribute to society, once society stops being so stupid. The government has Jerome in jail, but we've just cleared Mohammed Atta to be in the country.

    3. Re:In Jail for Web Graffiti? by jjohnson · · Score: 1

      If his crime amounts to little more than spraying grafitti on a wall, then a lawyer would get up and say that. A lawyer would say "my client is an extremely intelligent and overenthusiastic kid who did no real harm. He realizes it's wrong, he's very sorry, and he promises not to do it again. Please don't destroy a promising career."

      The judge would slap him on the wrist and tell him to use his powers for good, not evil. Christ, the ADA offered to drop 25 of the 26 charges for a plea that was rejected.

      This is a case of someone with a serious disconnect from reality. I wonder how many of his coworkers and friends at Los Alamos are telling him to get help, instead of feeding his feelings of persecution.

      --
      Anyone who loves or hates any language, platform, or manufacturer, doesn't know what they're talking about.
    4. Re:In Jail for Web Graffiti? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Exactly! Quite honestly I am agast at the total level of denial here. And these are people running network security for Los Alamos?!! It makes me weep for the future!

    5. Re:In Jail for Web Graffiti? by dugless · · Score: 1

      For someone hoping to have a career after this, I doubt pleading guilty to even one felony charge is an option. Further, the recent hyping of computer intrusion as a kind of "terrorism" makes this less an option.

      Personally, I don't believe he did anything unethical or illegal. He is, as I have heard him described at the Lab, a "white hat hacker" who used his powers for good, just as you say. He informed the institutions accusing him of what he'd found. They thanked him, then stabbed him in the back.

      I presume what happened is that some large tech corporations are worried that their customers will find out how little effort they've invested in security. They decided to make an example out of Jerome to scare away anyone (even those not yet out of grad school) who would dare to test their systems in the future. The FBI, being a fully ownx0r3d subsidiary of Qualcomm and eBay (companies now on my list of organizations never to patronize), just said "Yes, boss," and never dared to ask whether there was any actual evidence of wrongdoing.

      LANL employees with limited term staff appointments are pretty much dismissed automatically if they are arrested, so he lost his job without anything more than an accusation.

      As always, my opinions are only my own, not those of my employer.

    6. Re:In Jail for Web Graffiti? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Performing this act in your own trial in front of a federal judge is called psycotic behavior. Not 'a little loopy'. Total dissociation from reality.

      If you have a problem with _any_ any part of the above statement I would _strongly_ reccomend that you seek guidance from a qualified mental health practitioner.

    7. Re:In Jail for Web Graffiti? by dugless · · Score: 1

      Assuming you are not said mental health practitioner, I will defer to someone else's authority on what constitutes "psycotic [sic] behavior."

      I'm sorry, but how much respect are you supposed to show a system which suppressed a Forbes article giving demographic information on MagicFX conflicting with Jerome's status, and has twice successfully pressured the ISP of freesk8.org to take the site offline? This case is a verdict in search of a trial.

      There is still an article at Forbes which identified MagicFX as a 22-year-old in 1999. Jerome might just be turning 22 now. I don't know.

      It reminds me of the second season Star Trek: DS9 episode "Tribunal" where O'Brien is tried in a Cardassian court where it is known in advance he will be convicted. The judge is irritated that O'Brien refuses to just "plead guilty and get it over with" since the system needs (and intends to get by any means) its martyr.

      I expect once it becomes clear that Jerome is going all the way with this case, the FBI will look for the quickest way out and drop the charges, rather than risk the embarrassment of a case they cannot prove. I'd be willing to do the legwork necessary to cause that embarrassment.

    8. Re:In Jail for Web Graffiti? by jjohnson · · Score: 1

      Pleading guilty to a felony may hurt his chances in a future job interview, but what does gaining notoriety for shenanigans like this do for his chances? If he goes to jail for 85 years, he can feel very self-righteous about the fact that he'll never have a job interview again.

      Here's what freesk8 had to say about this story:

      Jerome is again in jail. His "crime" is asking questions in the courtroom. No other reason can be given. Yes, God Bless America; what is our country coming to?

      Jerome's not the only one disconnected from reality here. Your beliefs in the morality of his actions are irrelevant; Jerome's beliefs are irrelevant. What's relevant is that he's facing felony charges, and it's a judge who will decide what happens. This is exactly what lawyers are for. A lawyer could probably have argued this down to a misdemeanor plea; Jerome (and those around him telling him that he's fighting the good fight) is the one turning this into the trial of the century.

      If your opinions are representative of those around him, then you're all enabling him to talk his way into a long, brutal prison sentence that's totally unnecessary.

      --
      Anyone who loves or hates any language, platform, or manufacturer, doesn't know what they're talking about.
    9. Re:In Jail for Web Graffiti? by dugless · · Score: 1

      Doing a little bit of searching, I found a much simpler explanation for his actions. Jerome previously volunteered himself for prison because of his court-imposed inability to support himself or live with his parents in Wisconsin.

      My guess is he played the judge like a puppet, tweaking him just enough to get a paid stay at the government's expense.

      I'd suggest all the amateur psychoanalysis can stop now.

    10. Re:In Jail for Web Graffiti? by jjohnson · · Score: 1

      He didn't have to tweak the judge for that. Return the bail and volunteer for remand. His little "act" only hurt his credibility with the judge.

      I'd suggest all the amateur psychoanalysis can stop now.

      Why? Because we're not agreeing with you that Jerome's a digital martyr?

      --
      Anyone who loves or hates any language, platform, or manufacturer, doesn't know what they're talking about.
    11. Re:In Jail for Web Graffiti? by dugless · · Score: 1

      I'd suggest all the amateur psychoanalysis can stop now.

      Why? Because we're not agreeing with you that Jerome's a digital martyr?

      No, because you're not an expert in psychotherapy. (Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.)

    12. Re:In Jail for Web Graffiti? by jjohnson · · Score: 1

      The observation that it's a bad idea to piss off the judge with frivolous, juvenile behavior isn't psycho-analysis, it's common sense. The observation that Jerome should quit fucking around and get a good lawyer isn't psycho-analysis, it's common sense. The observation that self-righteous martyrdom is a good recipe for a long prison term isn't psycho-analysis, it's common sense.

      Psychoanalysis is being raised because Jerome's behaviour is so irrationally self-destructive for someone who's apparently brilliant, that mental illness is the only plausible cause.

      --
      Anyone who loves or hates any language, platform, or manufacturer, doesn't know what they're talking about.
    13. Re:In Jail for Web Graffiti? by dugless · · Score: 1

      And your credentials for diagnosing "mental illness" are what? Your medical degree is from what university?

      There are specific criteria in the DSM-IV for diagnosing mental illness, and violating your definition of common sense isn't one of them.

      Sorry to belabor this point, but I have it on good authority from my co-worker (who sits right next to me at work and regards Jerome as a friend) that he is a good, decent person. Remarks about his mental condition from those who don't know all the facts are not appreciated.

    14. Re:In Jail for Web Graffiti? by jjohnson · · Score: 1

      Forget the mental illness comments: Posters here have raised mental illness only as a possible explanation for his irrational behaviour in court, and usually in the context of trying to be helpful, as in "maybe he's not stupid, he just needs treatment."

      How about addressing some of the pragmatic issues I've raised? Like, it's a bad idea to piss off the judge, no matter how corrupt you think the system is; like, he should get a lawyer; like, he should try to cut his losses and take a plea. Seriously, if you know what's going on with him, I'd like to know, because I can't make sense of it.

      I don't doubt that he is a good, decent person. However, he's a good, decent person who's talking himself straight into a long prison term because he's apparently refusing to deal with the situation. The "Caps Lock" defence and asking to subpoena the United States of America are the strategies of lunatic tax protestors who are routinely slapped down for trying them. What's going on? What do you know that we don't?

      Personally, I don't think he's mentally ill. I think that he's too smart for his own good--meaning that he's so certain of his analysis and his rightness in this case that he's not correctly perceiving the consequences of his strategy. I suspect he also has a too-strong streak of romantic fatalism common to twenty-year-olds.

      --
      Anyone who loves or hates any language, platform, or manufacturer, doesn't know what they're talking about.
    15. Re:In Jail for Web Graffiti? by dugless · · Score: 1

      I agree with you that what he did was in very bad judgement. It puzzles and disturbs me. It's been suggested to me that going through college so early deprived him of opportunities to acquire necessary social skills, so at times he does things that don't reflect what you and I would consider common sense.

      Personally, I wish he'd get an attack dog lawyer who would tear these charges apart. The reason he has dismissed his lawyers twice eludes me. I'd rather not assume things about him based on that though. Perhaps his family doesn't have the means for a good lawyer. Perhaps the only options available to him are court-appointed public defenders who just want the case over with as quickly as possible so they can go on vacation, never mind that it's a felony conviction. I just don't know.

      I have no inside knowledge. I found out about this case from this topic of Slashdot and talk started at work.

      I think the judge should resist the urge to have a d1ck-waving contest with Jerome and punish him for his "impudence" (re: the "federal judges are god and you're not" thread) and realize that this is a scared, young, (overly?) idealistic young man who has been trying to act honorably towards a system which is frequently vicious. I don't hold out much hope for this. Considering the snake pit D.C. is, for anyone to reach the level of a federal judge has probably lost 90% of their soul along the way.

    16. Re:In Jail for Web Graffiti? by Rakarra · · Score: 1
      It's been suggested to me that going through college so early deprived him of opportunities to acquire necessary social skills, so at times he does things that don't reflect what you and I would consider common sense.

      You know, totally off-topic... but this is one of the reasons I dislike the idea of skipping lots of grades, of going to college years in advance, of home schooling, and so forth -- youngsters need social contact with people their own age. People can bring all sorts of exceptions like "bah, I hated all the people my own age at my school" (hell, I hated all the people at my high school), but I still say this contact is extremely important. There's no reason to be in such a huge hurry.. don't struggle to graduate college by age 20.. try to enjoy life a little as well. };P

      this is a scared, young, (overly?) idealistic young man who has been trying to act honorably towards a system

      Uhh.. he has? Seems like he's been acting pretty dishonorably and foolishly so far.

  179. Where's Johnny Cochran?? by snowpuppy · · Score: 1

    He can use the Chewbacca Defense...

    "It does not make sense... look at the monkey..."

    Snowdog

  180. Time for a new saying by SuperKendall · · Score: 1

    "The example used to illustrate the Rule in textbooks".

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
  181. Re:Jesus Christ, Taco, LEARN TO SPELL by danielrose · · Score: 1

    When I ask people to pay me $5+ per month to subscribe to my comments, I will bother to spell check.
    Which begs the question, why are comment posters not being paid per comment, considering they make the content.

    --
    i hate pansy republicans
  182. computer "whiz" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I can't stand it when articles like this refer to stupid script kiddies as "computer whizzes" and "experts". Just because some loser takes the time to break into ebay makes him into some kind of computer whiz?

  183. case SensitiVe? by fantomas · · Score: 1

    LUSER!

  184. and the answer to my new name is by Yankovic · · Score: 1

    I'm currently planning on renaming myself "The United States of America" and show up the next time this guy spouts out one of these requests.

  185. security's in trouble by im_calvin · · Score: 1

    if someone that dumb hacked all those places

  186. Sure I'll be modded down for this... by kubrick · · Score: 2

    As my friend learned, when dealing with people in authority, it is better to show respect and to play by their rules. Just a truth of life.

    Ahh, the United Police States of America. Glad to see that the rich and powerful have taken full control over there...

    --
    deus does not exist but if he does
    1. Re:Sure I'll be modded down for this... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      If you somehow think its different where you are, all I can say is:

      When are they going to start offering express commuter tickets to Never Never Land?

    2. Re:Sure I'll be modded down for this... by kubrick · · Score: 2

      If I can just repeat some words of wisdom:

      "Fight the powers that be!"

      People like Bakunin had it right. Fight for what you believe in, it doesn't matter if what you believe in isn't self-consistent or workable; knuckling under to the Man and living your life with a constant attitude of prepared victimhood is like a living death.

      Non serviam.

      --
      deus does not exist but if he does
    3. Re:Sure I'll be modded down for this... by Eric+Damron · · Score: 2

      Here are some more words of wisdom.

      Choose your fights.

      Going into court with an attitude or lipping off to a cop over a traffic viloation isn't smart.

      --
      The race isn't always to the swift... but that's the way to bet!
  187. Natural Consequences vs. Govt-Imposed Consequences by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Yeah, everyone's responsible for the consequences of their own actions. However, the Citizens of the USA are responsible for what the government does in their name. And one of the things government does in our name is run prisons. Poorly. So poorly that the safety of a non-violent criminal is not at all assured.

    Bottom line: HE brought the punishment upon himself, but WE (should) control the nature of the punishment.

  188. All Americans are Criminals by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    The parent speaks truth, unfortunately. There are now so many laws, and of such complexity, that I don't believe any American goes a day without violating at least one law, if not dozens or hundreds. And government's power grows with its ability to hammer *anyone* into oblivion through selective enforcement.

  189. But... by Pig+Hogger · · Score: 2

    ... who's Bubba, anyway????

  190. Nobody != Script Kiddie apparently by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Perhaps this just helps to dispell the myth that hackers are overachieving, underchallenged people. In most cases they are just morons.

  191. Re:Jesus Christ, Taco, LEARN TO SPELL by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    It is fully standard and understood by everyone

    It wasn't by me, until you explained it. I have a doctoral degree in English literature, and I read Slashdot (and several BBS's) every day, and I have to say I have never come across this usage before.

    anytime you change the spelling of a word, you have the right to show this with an apostrophe at the end

    Yes, you have the right to do that. But that doesn't make it a "standard usage."

    Maybe I'm wrong. I'd love to know more about this. Seriously, show me where, anywhere, on any of these pages (or any other) it says that a single apostrophe at the end of a word can be used to acknowledge nonstandard orthography. Or even just point me to a page where two or more other people are clearly using the apostrophe in this way. Go on. Please.

  192. Free Trial????! by plaidfishes · · Score: 1

    It may be the funniest court but does anyone want a trial there even if it is free? Just a thought

  193. /. Dream team by VivianC · · Score: 2

    This kid could have done better with a /. legal team!

    (No offense, Hawk, esq.)

    --
    Viv

    Gmail invites for ip
  194. Re:I weep for the future (pretty damn off-topic) by schof · · Score: 1
    Lately I've figured out how to fight them, Video tape and submision to the local police enforcement. It's been working, I no longer have people drag racing on my street as much. ( we have a park in the center and there are a ton of kids playing )
    Actually, one of the biggest problems is that people are no longer able to take responsibility for their actions because the government (read:well intentioned liberals) try to outlaw things that might lead to a crime! Such as your drag-racing example. Did any of the people you video taped harm anybody? Did they hit the kids? Or do you just think they might hit the kids?



    With all due respect, this is a load of crap. You could use the same logic to argue against drunk driving laws. Put people in jail only if they're driving drunk and they actually hit someone. If they're loaded and they drive home safely, what's the problem? Drunk driving and drag racing in populated areas (during the day no less, from what I can infer from the previous post) are both highly hazardous activities that indeed should be regulated. Don't believe me? Check out this (slightly overdramatic) story on drag racing:

    http://www.msnbc.com/news/725241.asp?0si=-&cp1=1
  195. OT, but still: why rape is tollerated by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    No practical solution has been found. Any prisoner who asks for help when he's attacked is writing his own death sentance. If the guards should happen to save him that time they will either have to send him to a new prison to go through the same process or send him back among those who kill tattle-tales.

    Rape isn't tollerated, it's innevitable.

  196. Re:I weep for the future (pretty damn off-topic) by shyster · · Score: 2
    With all due respect, this is a load of crap. You could use the same logic to argue against drunk driving laws. Put people in jail only if they're driving drunk and they actually hit someone. If they're loaded and they drive home safely, what's the problem? Drunk driving and drag racing in populated areas (during the day no less, from what I can infer from the previous post) are both highly hazardous activities that indeed should be regulated. Don't believe me? Check out this (slightly overdramatic) story on drag racing:

    So, you point out an admittedly overdramatic, ironic exception that's been overblown by the media to make your point?

    You're right. I could use the same logic against drunk driving laws. And I do. Why should someone who drives drunk be arrested, when there's a lot of people who drive worrse sober! Ever been to New York or Florida lately?

    You also could use your logic against concealed permit laws. And against people driving in general. And against sheep.

    Unfortunately, and perhaps not surprisingly, I can't find any reliable statistics on street racing and deaths to others not involved in the action (eg., not participants or spectators), but I doubt that it's very significant. As for drunk driving, you're more likely to be killed by yourself or a sober driver than a drunk one. Not to mention that there are usually multiple factors leading to a traffic death, yet if alcohol (or, lately, a handheld cell phone) is present, it will be listed on the alcohol side of the charts (note the wording "alcohol figures into", not "alcohol the leading contributor").

  197. He wants *Exposure* by gameweld · · Score: 1

    It sounds like he's just looking for exposure.
    I would have never heard of this case if he didn't pull the "I rather be in jail instead of waiting for them to go on trial" stunt. He also wanted to get back the bail that his friend posted for him.
    He's been doing these type of things the whole
    time, and they seemed to have been giving the
    trial a lot of publicity.

    There seems to be no good evidence that he did this, and he's been harassed by the FBI for a year, before they charged him with this.

  198. Not allowed to play videogames! by SlashDotIDOne · · Score: 1
    Heckenkamp had been free on $50,000 bail, and living under electronic monitoring -- prohibited by court order from using cell phones, the Internet, computers, video games and fax machines.

    Ok... I understand that a l33t h4x0r could use some quake for the ps2 on the net to hack something..? MAYBE? But... come on man! That's cruel and unusual.

    How many of you could quit using ALL of those, trapped in your home... I bet he's not even allowed to read books related to technology! No wonder he's acting strangely! He should countersue, demand immediate release, and umm be given a sega master system or something to do.. some sort of electronics...

    i'd die without monitor radiation to sustain me!

    --
    "I regret that I have but one life to give for my country. I'd feel safer if I had two or three."
  199. Re:OT, but still: why rape is tollerated by MillionthMonkey · · Score: 2

    What about chemical castration? I don't know much about how it works, so there could be a good medical reason why it's not feasible. But if there weren't, I'd certainly consent to it if it meant I'd be put in a wing for prisoners who had also consented to it.
    Maybe that's why I'm not in prison.

  200. Not flamebait you stupid fat fuck by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    ;-) means joke.

    I hardly ever post here anylonger, and this kind of thought-police moderation just proves my point.

    Now I probably could impact the moderation some, but to do that I need a few dummy accounts to gamble karma on (funny vs. flamebait/troll is a coin toss), plus a buddy system for cross-modding up.

    Bah. I signed up for Slashdot as user 46xx... man have things changed.

  201. Intelligence Does Not Cross All Boundaries by Not+The+Real+Me · · Score: 1

    This guy is proof that intelligence in one area does not equate to intelligence in other areas.

    A good lawyer can be an idiot at everything else in their life except the legal process.

    A good hacker can be an idiot at everything except hacking.

  202. Unfrozen Caveman Attorney by inKubus · · Score: 1

    Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, look at me: I'm just a caveman. I was frozen 5000 years ago and was found by scientists and thawed. My "primative mind" can't grasp your complex "hacking laws", I have never even used a "computer" but I do know this: my client deserves to be set free ..

    Remember? Phil Hartman, Saturday Night Live?

    --
    Cool! Amazing Toys.
  203. Re:There's an old saying: by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    The Court views that if you have to hire a lawyer, you are incompentent.

  204. Voluntary income tax by Brian+See · · Score: 1

    Actually, the argument that income tax is voluntary is legally correct.

    The income tax is a voluntary reporting system. That means that the government relies on you to calculate what you owe, and turn in your forms by April 15.

    OTOH, if you don't voluntarily comply, you will be penalized.

  205. Father has a point by eples · · Score: 2


    "They've overstepped their bounds, and they're keeping him from defending himself," he [the father] said.

    Assuming that the kid doesn't have access to the materials he will undoubtedly need to prepare his own defense - the Father has a very valid point.

    --
    I'm a 2000 man.
  206. Movies by eples · · Score: 2


    maybe watched a few too many movies

    He seems to be emulating the portrayal of Abbie Hoffman in "Steal This Movie".

    --
    I'm a 2000 man.
  207. Re: trying to be too clever by half by Suburban+nmate · · Score: 1
    Just a couple of points: H4x!nG [or DoS] = naughty, in the majority of cases, while Smuggling Opium... Over 3 kilos for personal use? No, so fsck him.

    Forget his physical age, he's obviously still a kid in his head, and his intelligence is/was a loaded gun. so expect to see him going down for a while, to make a good example to all terr^H^H^H^Hhackers that the United States Government will not tolerate this attack on the Freedom and way of life of its good, peaceful, law abiding, citizens. Erm... Yeah.

    If this manages to hit mainstream news, I'd like to see how many references to 9-11 / terrorists this can draw. It's a tough one, sure, but The People don't need opinions, that's what mainstream news is for! And the more references to a BIG SIMPLE REDNECK COMPATABLE political notion it contains, the better.

    Ali out. [ at london d0t c0m ]

    One final note: 212.84.98.242 is driving my firewall mad, I'm a bit too lame/ill equipped atm to investigate.

    --
    "Windows and Linux can co-exist on the same machine." - Microsoft Corporation.
  208. Re:OT, but still: why rape is tollerated by Catbeller · · Score: 2

    Castration doesn't prevent rape. A castrated attacker just won't be able to get you pregnant.

    Rape is NOT A SEXUAL RESPONSE. It is about domination, and sadism, and inflicting pain on someone that cannot fight back. Rape is about breaking a spirit. It is about humiliation. Agony. Suffering.

    You can cut a man's balls off, or chemically neuter him. That man can still rape you with a broom handle, or his hands. He can make you service him in any number of ways even if he can't get an erection.

    What you'd get in your castrato wing would be what I described, plus beatings and intimidation.

    Castration makes people feel safer, but that's it. Nothing would change. The problem is that men in a cage, and women too, get feral, especially when there is no supervision, or the guards participate by ignoring calls for help.

    The sick thing is that Americans watch shows like Oz and actually think prison rape is cool. It's joked about. Used as a threat by prosecutors . It's hardly an open secret that America lets rape happen in its prison as a sort of titillating bonus punishment.

  209. the kid's all caps NAME argument by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Perhaps this is off topic, but the kids argument that they spelled his NAME in caps would be a valid point. I'm not commenting on whether he did/didn't do what the authorities claim, or if this kid was stupid. The kid's point is valid because the only thing that would identify his person in the legal paperwork would be his name properly spelled. The all caps version of a person's name represents a legal fiction. Either way it's usually too late to make this point in court; he's gonna get nailed. If he knew what he was (legally) doing, he probably wouldn't have had to go to court. This is all too long to get into here.....

  210. Re:Must...Hack..Out..Of..Bag....Must...Defend..Sel by Inthewire · · Score: 1

    Ho lee shit.
    I remember my one experience on jury duty...some lady arguing that she couldn't have been driving as fast as the cop said because he took too long to pull her over - if she was going that fast, she would have been a danger to the public and he would have stopped her sooner.
    I didn't give a shit. I voted to call her guilty and fine her a buck, but the other people on the jury wore me down (I had the flu and was dying for a nap).

    --


    Writers imply. Readers infer.
  211. Re:Who modded this offtopic? by Treeluvinhippy · · Score: 1

    Who the fuck modded this post? He just quoted form the movie 'Half Baked' where I got the term fish. Where fish = little white boy in prison learning new meanings of brotherly love and avoiding it. He went along with the joke, jesus he wasn't offtopic at all.

    --
    >
  212. Re:Jesus Christ, Taco, LEARN TO SPELL by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    you're ac, so I don't know if you're still reading this. You asked for a response: if you still want it, email me at "slashdot _ lts @ bigfoot.com" without the spaces with your usual slashdot account's name. I'll reply there (to one of your old, insignificant posts) with my proof. (But I don't want to type this out if you're not reading anymore). I'll also reply to this post a second time with a link to my opinion, in case anyone else is reading this.

  213. test by Pancake+Lizard · · Score: 0

    test

  214. Re:I weep for the future (pretty damn off-topic) by onepoint · · Score: 1

    but again the point is prevention of the problem happening. Why does somebody have to fly at 55mph in a 25mph zone. Most people wont understand this unless they are parents, nothing worst that seeing a kid run into the street chasing a ball.

    Well anyway, we've upgraded the situation, the local law enforcement now parks a van with the radar speed so that everyone slows down. Helps even more. At night a few times a week, they park infront of my house an unmarked car catch a few speeder ( I bring out coffee for them at 2am or 4 am when i see them) so I have improved and taken accountable actions to improve my area for better long term results.

    Next step is to get an old patrol car parked in the area every day after school

    onepoint

    --
    if you see me, smile and say hello.
  215. Re:I weep for the future (pretty damn off-topic) by shyster · · Score: 2
    but again the point is prevention of the problem happening. Why does somebody have to fly at 55mph in a 25mph zone. Most people wont understand this unless they are parents, nothing worst that seeing a kid run into the street chasing a ball.

    Interestingly enough, I don't think young children should be playing anywhere near the street. If they're not old/mature enough to avoid getting hit by cars, then they should be in a backyard or park area.

    Well anyway, we've upgraded the situation, the local law enforcement now parks a van with the radar speed so that everyone slows down. Helps even more. At night a few times a week, they park infront of my house an unmarked car catch a few speeder ( I bring out coffee for them at 2am or 4 am when i see them) so I have improved and taken accountable actions to improve my area for better long term results.

    I understand your concern and pray that nothing unfortunate happens....I have no problem with legitimate concerns of safety. Speed in residential areas should be regulated (contrary to my previous post). Highway speeds, however, are a different issue.