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Decriminalizing File Swapping

Posted by Zonk on from the no-one-expects-the-french dept.

IAmTheDave writes "Wired reports that judicial activism is taking hold in France, much to the dismay of the recording industry, as judges are beginning to suspend the sentences of convicted file swappers. Further, they believe they are starting a revolution against the draconian laws at the base of the industry's legal agenda, and that sometimes laws need to be changed. Says Judge Dominique Barella of the laws against file swapping in today's society: 'It is similar to the sociological consequences of the Prohibition period in the U.S. (during the 1920s). Certain laws can have unexpected consequences on society.'"

5 of 665 comments (clear)

  1. viva la france by professorhojo · · Score: 4, Funny

    from what i read, the French magistrates union has begun to openly advocate decriminalizing online trading in copyrighted works for personal use.

    so what's personal use? less than 5 movies?

    does that mean if i'm caught with more than 5 movies i'm a dealer?

    can i get an exemption for medical use?

  2. Not a surprise. by Nytewynd · · Score: 4, Funny

    Clearly, French judges want the ability to download the latest Eminem Album. And probably a copy of Return of the Sith to go with it.

    --
    /. ++
    1. Re:Not a surprise. by StevenHenderson · · Score: 4, Funny
      And probably a copy of Return of the Sith to go with it

      Yeah, the French do have shitty taste...

  3. Re:prohibition by Woogiemonger · · Score: 4, Funny

    If you read it, just substitue 'file swapping' for 'alcohol' and it seems to ring very true.

    "National prohibition of file-swapping was undertaken to improve hygiene in America." Missed the mark on that one. Maybe if they banned MMORPG's, they'd be getting somewhere.
  4. lattest The Pirate Bay lagal threat by Psionicist · · Score: 5, Funny

    Speaking of which:

    Latest email to the pirate bay: http://static.thepiratebay.org/whitestripes_mail.t xt and the response: http://static.thepiratebay.org/whitestripes_respon se.txt