Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Jon Johansen DeCSS Trial Next Week

Posted by michael on from the judge-judy-presiding dept.

daniel_howell writes "Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten has a story on the imminent start (after delays in finding judges qualified to hear the case) of the trial of local teenage Jon Johansen for helping to write and distribute the DeCSS program to play DVDs on a home computer. The article notes that under Norwegian law it is perfectly legal to make a copy for your own personal use. The Norwegian press is generally supportive of Johansen, and Aftenposten is usually good at posting updates to big stories like this on its English pages, so watch this space to follow the story as it unfolds."

3 of 89 comments (clear)

  1. Many more to come by Enquest · · Score: 5, Insightful

    This is only the beginning. If software patents take their hold in Europe they will lock up free software programmers all over.
    Thats why software patents are against free speech. In history the establisment locked philosopher up. Now they will lock hackers, programmers up of violating code.

  2. "...can contribute...." by extrarice · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I love this line (emphasis mine):

    "Norwegian prosecutors claim the program *can contribute* to illegal copying of DVDs."

    Car makers better watch out - cars can contrubite to bank robberies and drive-by shootings.

    When did the ability to do something start to mean that you actually committed the crime itself?

    --
    "Jesus saves, but everyone else in a 10 foot radius takes full damage from the fireball."
  3. Re:What I find ridiculous... by Zemran · · Score: 5, Insightful

    At least he is lucky enough to be tried in a country with a more reasonable legal system, i.e. run for the people rather than by industry.

    --
    I love stacking my barbecues in the shed at the end of summer - you can't beat a bit of grill on grill action.