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Ohio Prison Shows Pirated Movies To Inmates

Posted by samzenpus on from the do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do dept.

An anonymous reader writes "Richard Humphrey was sentenced to 29 months in prison for selling pirated copies of movies through the subscription-based USAWAREZ.com. He was later sent to the Lorain County prison in February for a parole violation and while he was a prisoner, he says guards showed inmates Ride Along and The Wolf of Wall Street before they were released on DVD. A spokesperson for Lorain County Correctional Institution Warden Kimberly Clipper said prison officials are aware that pirated movies are being shown to prisoners and the issue is being investigated. But she said she couldn't comment further because the investigation is ongoing."

5 of 186 comments (clear)

  1. Difference by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    Don't try to sell them and you're mostly in the clear.

    1. Re:Difference by nabsltd · · Score: 5, Insightful

      This is something, which you can not legally do even with a DVD you purchased in a store — they are only licensed for private viewing.

      Although there is wording on DVDs to the effect that they are "licensed", this is not true. If you purchase a copy, you own that copy and retain all first-sale rights.

      The actual phrasing in 17 USC concerns "public performance". If these DVDs had been legally purchased (instead of definitely pirated), it's possible the prison performance would not be considered "public". After all, can you just walk in and watch movies with the prisoners? Remember that size of audience is unimportant for determining "private" or "public". A wedding with 500 guests where only people with invitations are allowed in is "private", while a bar with seating for 3 people is "public".

  2. Prisons are Sanctioned Crime by Lumpy · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Prisons break laws constantly, they are expected to violate rights, violate laws, etc... they are there only for punishing poor people.

    Show me millionaires that are in prison that go to general population prison.

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    Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
  3. Re:Not neccessarily pirated by Calydor · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Showing CAM rips?

    That's gotta count as cruel and unusual punishment.

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    -=This sig has nothing to do with my comment. Move along now=-
  4. Re:Odd Selection by GTRacer · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Are you thinking what I'm thinking, that TWoWS is cruel and unusual punishment?

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    Defending IP by destroying access to it? That makes sense, RIAA/MPAA. Go to the corner until you can play nice!