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You've Got Indictments

Posted by samzenpus on from the what-could-go-wrong dept.

Lam1969 writes "Reuters reports that South Korean prosecutors have started a program to start sending indictment notices via SMS. The program was started partly because of the high penetration of mobile phones among the South Korean population (75%, according to the article), and also because prosecutors want to save money by cutting back on paper mailings. One potential hitch in the program: You have to apply to the service in order to receive your indictment electronically."

119 comments

  1. who would seriously sign up for this? by paulsomm · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Seriously, why would anyone make it easier for themselves to be indicted?

    1. Re:who would seriously sign up for this? by spiritraveller · · Score: 3, Insightful

      It doesn't make it easier to be indicted. It just makes it easier for you to find out that you've been indicted. There are many reasons why someone might want quick notice that they've been indicted. For instance, if the person is not already out on bond, they will probably want to turn themselves in asap to avoid an inconvenient and embarrassing arrest.

    2. Re:who would seriously sign up for this? by ericspinder · · Score: 2, Funny
      Oh, why did I register with Insta-Trace?
      --
      The grass is only greener, if you don't take care of your own lawn.
    3. Re:who would seriously sign up for this? by Short+Circuit · · Score: 1

      Conversely, it sounds like a useful "Get the hell out of the country" warning, for those with means.

      But in a country whose only land border is with another country they're at war with, "having the means" means you've got money for a plane or boat ticket.

      --
      tasks(723) drafts(105) languages(484) examples(29106)
    4. Re:who would seriously sign up for this? by MillionthMonkey · · Score: 4, Funny

      Seriously, why would anyone make it easier for themselves to be indicted?

      So you could assign a different cool ringtone to each charge defined by South Korea's criminal code. You don't want "Slandering the State" to sound too much like a charge of "Obstruction of Business". But most people will probably want to set the ring tone to vibrate anyway, in case they get indicted during an important meeting.

    5. Re:who would seriously sign up for this? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It's OK.. cuz in Korea, only old people receive SMSes.

    6. Re:who would seriously sign up for this? by Jetson · · Score: 1
      1: make SMS indictments legally binding
      2: make accepting SMS indictments part of the "small print" on each cell phone contract
      3: ???
      4: Profit!

      I think the bigger problem is managing to indict someone in 160 characters -- most lawyers can't write "hello" that succinctly.

    7. Re:who would seriously sign up for this? by carlislematthew · · Score: 0, Troll

      "Go fuck yourself"

    8. Re:who would seriously sign up for this? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Funny

      The Vice President is awesome. I would willingly chop off my two testicles if he asked me to because I know it would help in the Global War on Terror. He would never lie.

    9. Re:who would seriously sign up for this? by LilGuy · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Exactly. On the other hand, they might turn on the "emergency" gps locator as well. If you're going to flee the country tho, you might as well ditch your phone or give it to some random person on the street...

      --

      You're nothing; like me.
    10. Re:who would seriously sign up for this? by SilverspurG · · Score: 3, Funny

      Will this cut lawyer fees?

      --
      fast as fast can be. you'll never catch me.
    11. Re:who would seriously sign up for this? by wik · · Score: 2, Interesting

      In South Korea, this might just work. They're crazy about functional ringtones out there.

      --
      / \
      \ / ASCII ribbon campaign for peace
      x
      / \
    12. Re:who would seriously sign up for this? by AaronCampbell · · Score: 2, Interesting

      I would assume it would become part of sentencing "300 hours community service, 1 year probation, and you must sign up for the new SMS indictment system" And even deals "We're willing to offer reduced sentence in exchange for names, and your voluntary involvement in the new SMS indictment program"

      Also, having worked at a law firm before (albeit in the US), I can tell you that they will do ANYTHING to be in the courts' good graces. I can DEFINITELY see law firms making this mandatory for all employees (and making sure that the courts know they do this).

      --
      Surviving America
    13. Re:who would seriously sign up for this? by TrevelyanL85A2 · · Score: 1

      So vibrating indictments....hmm, souunds kinky

    14. Re:who would seriously sign up for this? by MonkeyBoy · · Score: 1

      Personally, if I were in charge of writing the laws in SK, I'd make it be a requirement to have custom ringtones for each type of indictment. Only the ringtone would be decreed by the state - "(bing) (bing) (bong) You've been indicted for fraud."

      Now that I think about it, I suspect DeLay may have had a nightmare or two about that scenario.

      --

      Moof!

    15. Re:who would seriously sign up for this? by sfjoe · · Score: 1

      Seriously, why would anyone make it easier for themselves to be indicted?

      For the same reasons people here in the USA are willing to give up their freedoms:
      - Because without it the terrorists win.
      - I've got nothing to hide
      - Won't somebody please think of the children?
      - Registered users won't have to show their papers when they board a plane.
      - and on and on.

      --
      It's simple: I demand prosecution for torture.
    16. Re:who would seriously sign up for this? by Lotharus · · Score: 1

      *ahem* Yes, hello, your attention please... *ahem*

      In Soviet Russia...
      Indictments sign up for YOU!

      --
      http://undecidedgames.blogspot.com
  2. indictment via SMS? by Daneurysm · · Score: 3, Insightful

    One potential hitch in the program: You have to apply to the service in order to receive your indictment electronically."

    Uh, yeah...where do I sign up?

  3. SPAM Indictments by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    Nice, now they will get SPAM indictments as well.

    1. Re:SPAM Indictments by ToasterofDOOM · · Score: 4, Funny

      Greetings Sir or Madam:
            I am the owner of a large cell-phone corporation in Nigeria and we have recently discovered that you owe us (Poser Mobile) 3 million US Dollars ($3,000,000) and have not payed up. You are hereby summoned to court tuesday behind the McDonalds on Old 41. Remember to bring all your valuables.
      Have a nice day,
      Poser mobile

      **It just doesn't flow off the tongue (out of the fingers?), sorry**

      --
      I am Spartacus
    2. Re:SPAM Indictments by raider_red · · Score: 1

      The potential for playing practical jokes on your friends is also pretty good.

      --
      It's good to use your head, but not as a battering ram.
    3. Re:SPAM Indictments by Pesh+Hawksfire · · Score: 1

      I don't know what's funnier (or more poignant): 1) How completely damn likely that would be 2) That you used the Poser Mobile reference from those damn T-Mobile commercials 3) That I read that whole schpiel again in the angry gangsta asian kid's voice once I read "poser mobile"

    4. Re:SPAM Indictments by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Fake! The owner of a large corporation would know how to spell "paid" or at least have a spell-checker to correct that.

    5. Re:SPAM Indictments by ToasterofDOOM · · Score: 1

      Read: Nigerian ... not to be anti-foreigner or anything but they haven't had the time to pirate a spell checker yet.

      --
      I am Spartacus
  4. target audience by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    no good for first offenders, but should make career criminals much more efficient...

    1. Re:target audience by Short+Circuit · · Score: 1

      It's not too much of a stretch to expect judges to order that a convict sign up for the service.

      "I lost my cell, so I didn't get the notice." won't fly when the police can look at your cellphone usage records.

      --
      tasks(723) drafts(105) languages(484) examples(29106)
  5. oh how fun by jefe7777 · · Score: 5, Funny

    "YOU'VE GOT JAIL!"

    1. Re:oh how fun by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Wouldn't it be more like this?:

      "U GT JYL! PWND"

    2. Re:oh how fun by ToasterofDOOM · · Score: 0, Redundant

      ME TOO!!!

      --
      I am Spartacus
    3. Re:oh how fun by Lesrahpem · · Score: 1

      I actually know the person who did the voice for AOL. He lives not more than a 5 minute drive away. I may have to see if I can get him to record that.

    4. Re:oh how fun by koreaman · · Score: 1

      That'd be awesome. Send it to me if you do: brennan.vincent@gmail.com

      thanks

      --
      Le français vous intéresse?
    5. Re:oh how fun by Lesrahpem · · Score: 1

      I shall.

  6. oh... by User+956 · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Reuters reports that South Korean prosecutors have started a program to start sending indictment notices via SMS ... One potential hitch in the program: You have to apply to the service in order to receive your indictment electronically."

    Ok... so you have to *sign up* to be indicted electronically? wtf? We can't even get people to sign up for FasTrak toll payment, much less any form of electronic justice.

    --
    The theory of relativity doesn't work right in Arkansas.
    1. Re:oh... by lawpoop · · Score: 1

      "We can't even get people to sign up for FasTrak toll payment,..."

      South Koreans != Americans.

      My guess is there is probably some benefit to signing up, like being able to do court business you *want* to do electronically.

      --
      Computers are useless. They can only give you answers.
      -- Pablo Picasso
    2. Re:oh... by Jeff+DeMaagd · · Score: 1

      My guess is there is probably some benefit to signing up, like being able to do court business you *want* to do electronically.

      How many people do that much court business and is on the wrong side of the court? Maybe there's a repeat offender program? Is there a certified SMS system, to prove that the person did recieve and acknowledge the indictment?

    3. Re:oh... by lawpoop · · Score: 1

      Well, people may not have business with the courts specifically, but perhaps with some other branches of government, such as licence renewal, etc.

      I'm guessing that South Korea doesn't have exactly the same divisions of government that we have -- legislative, executive, and judicial. Maybe registering to do your taxes online gets you signed up for online summons, etc. Just a guess. Or maybe the beauracracy of S. Korea is stupid and inefficient like all the other countries of the world.

      --
      Computers are useless. They can only give you answers.
      -- Pablo Picasso
    4. Re:oh... by User+956 · · Score: 1

      South Koreans != Americans.

      Well, no kidding. My point (which was apparently non-obvious, for pedants such as yourself) is that cultural differences between our two countries would be a near-impenetrable barrier for adoption of such a technology in North America.

      BTW... I hear Ric Romero needs an editorial assistant. You might could help him out.

      --
      The theory of relativity doesn't work right in Arkansas.
  7. How the U.S. would do it. by dada21 · · Score: 3, Insightful

    As someone who has been on the good and bad side of government letters, I think I know how the U.S. will take advantage of SMS notices.

    First, they'll create a US$40 billion law that will help the IRS notify taxpayers of refunds they haven't received. Of course, the majority of this money will be lost and forgotten and taxpayers who sign up will get little more than a notification SMS -- if even that.

    Second, ten years later, they'll bring back the system but this time they'll use it to notify taxpayers of deliquency -- after spending another US$100 billion to "fix" the system.

    Third, they'll repeat the SMS message at least 20 times more than necessary, due to a bug, and when the taxpayer comes to pay their bill, they'll find out that they owe 20 times the original amount because the IRS is sure they would never send 20 notices of the exact same bill due to the same person unless that person actually owed the entire amount.

    Computers don't make mistakes, right?

    1. Re:How the U.S. would do it. by rk · · Score: 1

      "Computers don't make mistakes, right?"

      I think the biggest mistake computers make is doing exactly what we tell them to.

    2. Re:How the U.S. would do it. by Aglassis · · Score: 1

      Computers don't make mistakes, right?

      Right. Humans do. It is always wise to remember that. If your computer 'makes' a mistake, it is highly likely you operated it beyond its tolerances or programmed it incorrectly.

      There is the one in a million chance that a cosmic ray or some 'uncatchable' impurity in the silicon refining process made your computer do something crazy, but then again I'd respond that that is still usually a human error. Noone forces programmers *not* to validate their data (though I do have to note that if you use hardware processes to validate the data that have something in common with the initial compiling of the data, you might have an issue). Anyways, it's not likely that a cosmic ray is going to flip a couple bits making your refund from $1200 to -$2,400,000,000,000.37.

      --
      Suddenly, the hairy finger of a familiar monkey tapped me on the shoulder. It was time.--G. T.
    3. Re:How the U.S. would do it. by tomhudson · · Score: 1

      There is the one in a million chance that a cosmic ray or some 'uncatchable' impurity in the silicon refining process made your computer do something crazy,

      Okay, 1 in a million. So a 1 ghz machine should be prone to 1,000 errors a second. We've just invented the next generation of Microsoft FUD - "Its not our software - its yur hardware."

    4. Re:How the U.S. would do it. by Aglassis · · Score: 1

      Okay, 1 in a million. So a 1 ghz machine should be prone to 1,000 errors a second. We've just invented the next generation of Microsoft FUD - "Its not our software - its yur hardware."

      That's only the case if the same machine had 999,999,000 human-caused errors per second (I'm not going to do the conversion of microprocessor commands to frequency though I will note that 1 GHz will rarely equal 1 G-ops or G-flops though even those designations are misleading). If you have a billion errors a second and 0.0001% of those errors are truely hardware caused, I think it might be a wise idea to start with the software and human caused bugs first.

      Or just shut off Microsoft Bob. But in that case there really was only one human caused error!

      --
      Suddenly, the hairy finger of a familiar monkey tapped me on the shoulder. It was time.--G. T.
    5. Re:How the U.S. would do it. by nacturation · · Score: 1

      Okay, 1 in a million. So a 1 ghz machine should be prone to 1,000 errors a second.

      Your computer is subjected to 1 billion cosmic rays per second? I hope you have a very large tinfoil hat, preferably lined with lead.

      --
      Want to improve your Karma? Instead of "Post Anonymously", try the "Post Humously" option.
    6. Re:How the U.S. would do it. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Sounds like someone has been audited by the IRS, Hmmm?

  8. WTF? by thehickcoder · · Score: 4, Funny

    One potential hitch in the program: You have to apply to the service in order to receive your indictment electronically

    You have got to be kidding...

    Next year...
    South Korea embarks on a new plan to save law enforcement costs. South Korean police will no longer make arrests. Offenders will simply recieve an email instructing them to report to their nearest police station.

    1. Re:WTF? by aussie_a · · Score: 1

      Wait, you mean in South Korea policemen don't come knocking on your door, they just send you an arrest warrant (in dead tree format) via the mail?

      This is merely replacing one notification method (dead tree post) with another (SMS). Why is that such a big deal? If people want to get notifications in dead tree format, they don't sign up. If they find receiving dead tree mail a pain (I know I do) and want to work towards making their correspondance electronic only, they sign up and get an SMS.

      It's not like they're saying "we don't have these people's addresses, so we're going to ask them to sign up via SMS." They already have their contact details, people just have a choice on the method that will be used.

    2. Re:WTF? by tomhudson · · Score: 1

      There's a difference between registered mail service (someone has to sign for it) and SMS - which is not even guaranteed to be received (read your terms of service - you pay for them attempting to transmit your message, whether it was received or not).

      So just deny you ever received it.

    3. Re:WTF? by nharmon · · Score: 1

      This isn't a summons where you deny ever having gotten it. This is an indictment, where you are notified before hand in case you want to surrendor yourself at a time when your bail can be set without you spending a night or weekend in jail.

      If you don't receive your SMS, the cops will just come to your house and arrest you...probably on a saturday morning so you don't see arraignment for a couple days.

    4. Re:WTF? by tomhudson · · Score: 1

      Again, let them send it by snail mail.

      If its not so urgent that they're not going to send someone to arrest you, I want to have something in writing so I can have as much info as possible before I talk to anyone. You're not going to get that with a text message. Only an idiot would argee to this.

    5. Re:WTF? by aussie_a · · Score: 1

      Again, let them send it by snail mail.

      But wait, then you can't sign for it (guess you were wrong about that, huh?). This conversation has gone like this:
      Me - this is an alternate delivery method, and you volunteer for it.
      You - But people sign for it the normal way
      Someone else - no they don't.
      You - oh. Well I still want the snail mail method.

      Did you not see me say this is an alternate delivery method, one you volunteer for?

      Sorry, these type of conversations are just frustrating.

      As for the "only an idiot would agree to this" I do think that is a limitation in the SMS delivery method. But then again, how much information is REALLY on an indictment? I don't know as I've never had one. But if I had to take a guess (and I am guessing, if we've got any arrested South Korean "criminals" here at slashdot I'd love to hear how it really is) I'd imagine a lot of it is official nonesense that takes a long time to deliver very little information. Condensing that to an SMS wouldn't be too difficult.

      Having said that, it's possible they will provide all the information given in a letter indictment. In some asian countries (definitely Japan, possibly South Korea?) they read entire books downloaded onto a mobile phone. If they're happy to read a novel like that, I can't see them having much problem with an indictment (ignoring the "official" feeling in a letter, which is an outdated opinion that will dissapear).

    6. Re:WTF? by Pig+Hogger · · Score: 1
      South Korea embarks on a new plan to save law enforcement costs. South Korean police will no longer make arrests. Offenders will simply recieve an email instructing them to report to their nearest police station.
      You laugh, but the neighbour of a friend of mine complained about being assaulted by my friend to the police. Afterwards, the cops paid him a visit. Three months later. That did not prevent them from starting the whole inquiry and indictment rigmarole...
    7. Re:WTF? by tomhudson · · Score: 1

      Rule #1 when it comes to legal stuff - NEVER VOLUNTEER! ANYTHING!

      Heck, one time it took them 11 months to serve me (they wanted me to "come pick it up" and I told them "ho ho ho - I'm leaving the country at 5.45 tomorrow morning and won't be back for a month. You want me to come pick it up when I get back - you PAY me to pick it up." 11 months. What a freaking joke. And in the end it was just a waste of time anyway - by the time we got to court, 14 months later, they had "lost the file."

      SCO has one right idea - delay delay delay.

    8. Re:WTF? by tomhudson · · Score: 1

      You - But people sign for it the normal way

      I never said anyone would sign for an SMS. What I said was that there's a difference between SMS and registered mail - people have to sign for registered mail. When you pick up a piece of registered mail, you have to give your signature and a proof of id. I think you mixed up parts of 2 threads.

  9. Pointless... by Chaffar · · Score: 1
    Seriously, I don't think anyone reads EVERY SMS they receive, or even if one did, would he take such an SMS seriously? I can Imagine the hordes of Korean pranksters sending fake indictments around next year.

    An SMS has no value whatsoever, you can't reasonably expect people to react to an indictment SMS the same way they'd respond to a physical letter. Besides, a lot of people SHARE their mobile phones (i.e a dad and his son who wants to go out), so I can just claim that the SMS was deleted when it wasn't in my possession.

    1. Re:Pointless... by aussie_a · · Score: 1
      Seriously, I don't think anyone reads EVERY letter they receive, or even if one did, would he take such a letter seriously? I can Imagine the hordes of Korean pranksters sending fake indictments around next year.

      A letter has no value whatsoever, you can't reasonably expect people to react to an indictment letter the same way they'd respond to a physical message from a policeman or officer of the court. Besides, a lot of people SHARE their houses (i.e a dad and his son living together), so I can just claim that the letter was thrown away when he wasn't home.


      I altered your post slightly, to prove that the same thing can (and probably was) said about letters. Your from the old school (and I do agree with you, but I do recognise my opinion is outdated). Times are moving on, and there will be whole Korean generations coming up that will think of how inefficient letter indictments were.

      The fact that there are people around who will share the opinion that SMS's aren't to be taken seriously, is most likely why it's opt-in. By opting-in, you're saying you'll take any SMS indictments seriously, and will treat them as if they're a paper indictment.

      I could make jokes about the indictment reading "hi ki u r b-ing indicted. u r in so much trouble!!1111" or something like that. But the thing is, SMS indictments are the future (okay, perhaps not SMS indictments as I don't know how long SMS will stay around, but whatever system replaces it). We can laugh and point and poke fun at it, but that won't change the fact our opinions will become outdated.
    2. Re:Pointless... by Short+Circuit · · Score: 1

      ISTR hearing about an issue they had indicting Ted Kazinsky...none of the usual methods of notification could work, so they put it in an ad in the local paper. Apparently, the court said that was OK by them.

      Of course, it's a different country, different culture. But the logic behind court rulings in one country is often still valid in another country.

      --
      tasks(723) drafts(105) languages(484) examples(29106)
    3. Re:Pointless... by guaigean · · Score: 1

      Of course, it's a different country, different culture. But the logic behind court rulings in one country is often still valid in another country.

      This mentality is outright dangerous.

      --
      Microsoft Sucks, F/OSS Rocks. I get mod points now right?
    4. Re:Pointless... by Short+Circuit · · Score: 1

      A real zinger. Care to explain why?

      --
      tasks(723) drafts(105) languages(484) examples(29106)
    5. Re:Pointless... by guaigean · · Score: 1

      Just because another country has legislated something, doesn't mean it should be applied to ours. As mentioned, culture changes by country. There are plenty of instances where countries legislate for injustice, particularly concerning races and religions. Simply because one country considers it legitimate to behead someone for not following a certain faith doesn't mean others should. I realize this is an extreme, but it works on all levels. Legislation reflects the morality and culture of that country, and should be allowed to. Adopting the laws of other countries is not always a solution to a problem, and can become more of a problem in and of itself.

      --
      Microsoft Sucks, F/OSS Rocks. I get mod points now right?
  10. In Korea... by Wellerite · · Score: 1

    Then they'll need to set up an email service for all the older people

  11. well i don't think its been mentioned yet, but by JeanBaptiste · · Score: 1

    this would also allow for lots of fun viruses. I know that Sobig or Sober or whatever its called has been bouncing off my spam filter for some time now, and I read one story where a German man with kiddy pr0n turned himself in after receiving that same virus.

    so im sure the system would be real usable when thousands of people simultaneously and incorrectly turn themselves in.

    a bit OT, but I had an idea for a fun virus a while back. It would consist of a couple of illegal pr0n files that would be emailed, then it would email the FBI letting them know which computer now had the illegal payload. I never did write anything like that though. Nor would I, certainly not now that i have a kid and all.

  12. South Korea, meet Franz Kafka by raddan · · Score: 1

    Seriously. This is both a feat of bureaucracy and a kind of existential comedy. I've always dreaded that bureaucrats would pervert information technology in some astounding way...

  13. Insta-Trace by mikeage · · Score: 4, Funny

    ObSimpsons

    Bart: Dad, you don't have ten thousand dollars.
    Homer: Eh. How are they going to find me?
            [at PBS Pledge Central, the "mercury" in a thermometer
            display rises all the way to the top and rings a bell]
    White: Folks, we've just reached our goal of ten thousand, seven
            hundred dollars, and it's all thanks to one generous
            caller ... who didn't leave his name.
    Homer: [laughs]
    White: But thanks to Insta-Trace, we've learned it's Homer
            Simpson, of 742 Evergreen Terrace. [a picture of Homer
            appears on the screen. He screams]
    Homer: Oh, why did I register with Insta-Trace?

    http://www.snpp.com/episodes/BABF11

    --
    -- Is "Sig" copyrighted by www.sig.com?
  14. Am I wrong? by iamdrscience · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I've only had a little personal experience, but I always thought that letters like these from the courts (indictments, notices of arraignment dates, etc.) were usually sent certified return receipt so that they can be certain that you've gotten the letter.

    Am I wrong or are things just different in South Korea?

    1. Re:Am I wrong? by hostingreviews · · Score: 1

      You're right, that's the way it is here. They could probably send the SMS with a confirmation code etc etc.

      --
      Why would you trust a testimonial when choosing hosting?
    2. Re:Am I wrong? by iamdrscience · · Score: 1
      They could probably send the SMS with a confirmation code etc etc.
      That doesn't really verify somebody's identity though, because anybody could be sending back that person's confirmation code. Suppose they had the wrong number for the person who was indicted, what then?
    3. Re:Am I wrong? by hostingreviews · · Score: 1

      I should probably give my mom her cell back, I guess. What if someone here signs for your child support papers? Probably another lawsuit.

      --
      Why would you trust a testimonial when choosing hosting?
    4. Re:Am I wrong? by HD+Webdev · · Score: 1

      I've only had a little personal experience, but I always thought that letters like these from the courts (indictments, notices of arraignment dates, etc.) were usually sent certified return receipt so that they can be certain that you've gotten the letter.

      Actually, no, that is rare.

      Court funding has been cut quite a bit over the years. Usually, they'll just keep on sending mail and/or warnings that a drivers licence will be suspended if there isn't a reply.

      --
      This is not a dream, not a dream...we are transmitting from the year 1-9-9-9.
  15. indictment by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    thank you

  16. But in South Korea . . . by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    only old people get indicted

  17. 1984? by digitaldc · · Score: 3, Insightful

    This is technology and information that has gone to the power of the police state. In the forseeable future, no one will be able to break the law and get away with it.
    Pretty soon we will be living in houses with video screens on walls and will be constantly told that in order to have peace, you must have war...oh wait a minute...um nevermind.

    --
    He who knows best knows how little he knows. - Thomas Jefferson
    1. Re:1984? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      This is technology and information that has gone to the power of the police state.

      The opt in police state; that's Orwellian with a side of fries.

    2. Re:1984? by digitaldc · · Score: 2, Funny

      that's Orwellian with a side of fries.

      What did the Facist Food restaurant worker say Winston Smith as he ordered his gruel?

      ---Would you like lies with that?

      --
      He who knows best knows how little he knows. - Thomas Jefferson
    3. Re:1984? by DJCF · · Score: 2, Insightful

      So... they're doing something which has, for all time, been done using paper... using SMS. And this is the herald of 1984? Then I guess we'd better all bow down to Big Brother.

    4. Re:1984? by guaigean · · Score: 1

      "In the forseeable future, no one will be able to break the law and get away with it."

      I'm as tinfoil hat addicted as the next slashdotter, but how bout just don't break the law to begin with.

      --
      Microsoft Sucks, F/OSS Rocks. I get mod points now right?
  18. Depends by Sycraft-fu · · Score: 2, Informative

    For most court things, delivery in person is how it's done. That's the only real way to make sure the right person got it. For criminal complaints, generally you are served by the police, and they arrest you in the process. For civil complaints, you can hire the police to serve the papers (which isn't a bad idea since they keep records) or have someone else do it, but it can't be you.

    For things like jury duty notices it's mail, but I don't believe it's certified, just normal mail.

    1. Re:Depends by tomhudson · · Score: 1

      For civil complaints, you can hire the police to serve the papers

      Are you sure you don't mean a bailiff or process server?

    2. Re:Depends by iamdrscience · · Score: 1

      That doesn't sound right. Maybe for felonies, but not all criminal offenses get that treatment.

      My personal experience that I alluded to was of receiving the court date of my arraignment*. They sent it to me as both a return receipt letter and a regular letter actually, which still seems silly.


      *In case anyone cares, I was being arraigned for driving without a license when I was 17 and I was let off the hook at the arraignment, not because I didn't commit the crime but largely because I had a lawyer. The legal system is weird. Full story here.

    3. Re:Depends by Sycraft-fu · · Score: 1

      No the bailiff is a court officer. You can usually hire the sheriffs to serve papers for you. For a fee they'll send a deputy to hand over the papers and keep documentation that the person was served. Not all departments do this, but they generally do, since they make a little money on it.

    4. Re:Depends by GigsVT · · Score: 1

      You are correct, for minor misdemeanors they usually don't arrest you, though they often do serve the papers in person for non-traffic misdemeanors.

      --
      I've had enough abrasive sigs. Kittens are cute and fuzzy.
    5. Re:Depends by cgenman · · Score: 1

      For small claims courts, at least in MA and CA, the grandparent is correct. You have to send the initial claim certified for the judge to consider the case valid.

      On the other hand, jury duty is normal mail. Which lead to an amusing situation a few years ago where the state wanted me arrested for dodging jury duty in northern CA, even though I had moved out of that address to southern CA three years prior. The only reason I found out about this was because the person who was recieving the mail finally decided it was a bit serious, tracked me down, and let me know that they had just done what the state wasn't capable of doing. The state dropped the charges when it found out that the new address was the one on my license, and the one that I was receiving other state mailings at.

      --
      The ______ Agenda
    6. Re:Depends by tomhudson · · Score: 1

      Not always - depends on where yu live Here, bailiffs are independent process servers. That's why I wrote "bailiff or process server" :-)

      Also, here the police are forbidden to do any such actions in civil cases. Their response - see a lawyer, who will hire a bailiff (a private process server) to serve the papers. Bailiffs here routinely get thrown down stairs, punched out, kicked, etc - its part of the job. They hae no "peace officer" status.

    7. Re:Depends by jandrese · · Score: 1

      I'm surprised they dropped the charges. In Virginia if that happens (because you didn't fill out some form nobody knows about and isn't mentioned anywhere on their website because the system isn't tied with the normal change of address stuff), they fine the crap out of you and tell you how lucky you are they aren't throwing you in jail.

      --

      I read the internet for the articles.
  19. IN SOVIET RUSSIA, SMS's INDICT YOU! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    ... oh wait.

  20. And North Korea is considered the crazy one ? by Crashmarik · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Seriously, Theres more than a little to be said about making the state at least spare the cost of a certified letter to start the process of removing your liberty. Many parts of society don't need to be more efficient and IMHO this is one of them.

  21. So ... what, you sign up for this by ScrewMaster · · Score: 2

    just on the off chance that you might be indicted for some crime, and you want to make sure you don't miss your court date? Wacky. But this is the kind of thing that bureaucrats (not known for deep or particularly critical thinking) are famous for inventing, the whole world over. Like the time that the Social Security Administration here in the U.S. decided to make everyone's SS records accessible simply by typing in one's SSN at their Web site. Brilliant idea that would no doubt have made perfect sense in some Sliders-style alternate universe.

    --
    The higher the technology, the sharper that two-edged sword.
  22. AOL has a similar service ... by ScrewMaster · · Score: 1

    "YOU'VE MADE BAIL!"

    --
    The higher the technology, the sharper that two-edged sword.
  23. Sign Up Form by mattwarden · · Score: 2, Funny

    I can see it now...

    Name: [____]
    Mobile Number: [____]
    Postal Code: [____]

    Number of Children in Household: [____]
    Annual Household Income: [____]

    Which of the following magazines do you subscribe to:
    [ ] Time
    [ ] Korean Weekly
    [ ] ...

    [ ] Check here if you would like to be notified if your indictment is dismissed
    [ ] Check here if you would like to be notified about your indictments in our partner countries

  24. Legally obligated? by iamlucky13 · · Score: 1

    Naturally, the US isn't South Korea, and I'm sure someone out there can correct me if I'm wrong, but In the US, aren't you only legally obligated to respond to a court summons if it has been hand delivered? Or is it that the only way a court can prove you received a summons and subsequently ignored it is if a courier testifies he delivered it to you? I remember my dad ignoring something from the local "Boss Hog" court (small town politics) because it had been sent in the mail.

    1. Re:Legally obligated? by shibashaba · · Score: 1

      They don't have too. For civil suits, the plaintiff needs some kind of proof to show the court that they served you papers. The easiest way to do that is to pay the sheriff to do it for you. For criminal cases all they have to do is issue a warrant and arrest you for it sometime.

      --
      ---------- Open Source is capitalism applied to IP.
    2. Re:Legally obligated? by Alex+Zepeda · · Score: 1

      Sure, and in some states you can be summoned via a notice in the newspaper.

      --
      The revolution will be mocked
  25. Here's a simple solution by Weaselmancer · · Score: 1

    Put in in the EULA for the phone service. Or hide it with an opt-out clause in the contract. Either would work, and zap! You're served the second you touch the damned thing.

    --
    Weaselmancer
    rediculous.
  26. Also slated to happen in the UK by tcoady · · Score: 2, Informative

    http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/newsArticle.aspx?t ype=topNews&storyID=2005-12-29T072325Z_01_MCC92648 5_RTRUKOC_0_UK-BRITAIN-TEXT.xml

    1. Re:Also slated to happen in the UK by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      They got to get my mobile number first, Pay as you go mobile paid for with cash they got no chance :o)

  27. "e-mail is for old people" by nz17 · · Score: 0, Redundant

    All right, let's get the fucking "e-mail is for old people" jokes out of the way.

    See, this is funny because:
    1. It is on Slashdot
    2. It recycles an old joke.
    3. It is cynical.
    4. "Cynicle" is spelled wrong.
    5. Someone else has already written approximately the same thing.
    6. I made a list of why it is funny.
    7. I've included the ;), lol, j/k, and other markers. :P
    8. Someone has already thought about writing about how cynical is not spelled incorrectly above.
    9. It is ironic.
    10. I unnecessarily bring up the subject, defeating my goal of not having it mentioned in the first place.
    11. All articles about South Korea need to have the comments mention the e-mail remarks from months ago.

    Damn am I jaded.

    --
    Most men are not thought unwise until they speak.
  28. Can't believe you forgot it! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    12. ???
    13. Profit!

    1. Re:Can't believe you forgot it! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      and he didn't mention if he's new here

  29. Tracking a criminal by cyberworm · · Score: 1

    Could this be a way of implimenting some sort of tracking system for the criminal element in South Korea? By signing up for this system, you're basically letting the government know yuou're ignorant of the law, and that you're more than likely going to break the law.

    An even better idea, "Here's my phone number, just in case I do something wrong, you guys can let me know." Can't imagine anyone would ever abuse that system.

  30. Where America (and society in general) is headed by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    What I dread is when we are assigned a "probability" of winning or losing by an automated "Judge" who simply gives us the opportunity to "opt out" of the process by transferring funds from our account to the plaintiff's account, any time that a lawsuit might happen.

    For instance, say I bump into a lady on the way into a store. She grabs her neck and complains that I caused damage to her spinal cord. She holds up her PDA and I hold up mine, and we swap information. She and I take pictures of the crime scene, including the door and the ground, input some text about what happened into the "central repository for judgements" and wait a few seconds for the results. The judgement proclaims that I was 75% at fault and it will cost me $1,500 now or I will have to go through the process of being sued (which is also automated), which could cost me more (because I'll have to hire an automated lawyer that charges $200 a minute).

    What to do? Give the lady someone else's information and RUN! :-)

  31. ObSimpsons #2 by base_chakra · · Score: 1

    [During Ned's dinner date with power-player Lindsey Nagel]

    Lindsey: With me, you get more than just a Wharton MBA pulling in $200K—I'm getting a fax... [retrieves fax from mini fax machine strapped to ankle]

    Oh no, I've just been indicted; gotta go. How's your July? Mine's terrible.

  32. you forgot the part about by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    e-dictments would be free but only for those making $50K or less...

    the evil rich would have to pay for the privilege of saving the feds the cost of a process server...

  33. Re:1984? POLICE STATE NEW POWERS 2005 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Police will have greater powers of arrest in England and Wales after new laws come into force on New Year's Day.

    The powers mean people can be arrested for all offences, even minor ones like painting graffiti and dropping litter.

    Currently officers can only arrest people suspected of committing crimes with at least a five-year jail sentence - although there are exemptions.

    But the powers of arrest will not be automatic, as police officers will have to apply a "necessity test".

    Current non-arrestable offences include impersonating a police officer, failing to stop a vehicle when ordered to do so, manufacturing or selling an offensive weapon, failing to hand over a passport to a court and unauthorised access or modification of computer material, which deals with some more minor hacking offences.

  34. Dee dee dee! by Rusty+Nuts · · Score: 0

    I heard they are running a special "Turn yourself in" deal where you geta free digital watch. Seems they also want to save on transportation costs too.

    --
    Team Rusty Nuts
    You can't rush procrastination!
  35. Apply? by Syberghost · · Score: 1

    Are there people in South Korea who get so many indictments, it's worth their time to go apply for this, so that they can save time when all the indictments start rolling in?

    I thought Ken Lay's name sounded Chinese, not Korean.

  36. Re:1984? POLICE STATE NEW POWERS 2005 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    link: BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/3558654.stm

    KEY POINTS
    All offences to be arrestable

    Search warrants to cover more than one property, one search and to stay in force longer

    Community Support Officers to get range of new powers, including to search detainees

    Drug tests allowed on arrest rather than only when a suspect is charged

    Fixed penalty fines to pay for more use of automatic number plate recognition technology

    New offence of having an incorrectly registered vehicle

    New power to stop and search under-18s suspected of carrying fireworks

    Allow police to take DNA, fingerprints, shoeprints covertly

    Digital photographs of suspects can be taken without consent being given

  37. Why notify at all? by redelm · · Score: 1
    I'm not familiar with S.Korean law, but I don't believe there's any requirement an indicted person be notified of the indictment prior to arraignment. IANAL.

  38. Re:Ok.... by Audacious · · Score: 1

    Heh! When I went to post there was only one comment. By the time I'd finished typing that one line and submitted it - it was redundant! No matter what anyone else says, Slashdot is obviously not going downhill in readership!

    PS: If the guy who posted "You've got Jail!" isn't at +5 yet, please mod him up for me! :-)

    --
    Someone put a black hole in my pocket and now I'm broke. :-)
  39. More than just indictments. by DoubleDownOnEleven · · Score: 1

    All joking aside, it sounds like the SMS service being created will be used for more than just indictments. From the article:

    Other notices that will be sent by text messages include information on fines and penalties.
    So, more of a general "correspondence with government offices" SMS service than just for sending indictments.