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Actual prison time wasn't on the table until the federal prosecutors took over and tried to make an example of him [1]. Until then, everyone expected a slap on
by akiselev 4y ago
Actual prison time wasn't on the table until the federal prosecutors took over and tried to make an example of him [1]. Until then, everyone expected a slap on the wrist.
I remember those events clearly and even JSTOR, the "victim" in the case, backpedaled on the prosecution before he committed suicide. He was driven to suicide by an overzealous federal prosecutor trying to make a career for themselves.
[1] https://www.cnet.com/tech/tech-industry/swartz-didnt-face-prison-until-feds-took-over-case-report-says/ https://www.cnet.com/tech/tech-industry/swartz-didnt-face-pr...
- tiahura 4y agoHe made the choice. No one else. Or, if you blame the prosecutor for driving him, do you also blame his friends and family for not being supportive enough?
- loktarogar 4y agoNo-one exists in a vacuum.
- ETH_start 4y agoThe primary responsibility falls on the prosecutor. The prison sentence they sought for Swartz was not by any stretch justified. This injustice seriously endangered not just Swartz's mental health, but his prospects for a fulfilling life, even had he lived.
- tiahura 4y agoA prosecutor doesn’t seek a sentence until after the defendant is found guilty. Moreover, judges don’t care about prosecutors or what they think. And, sentences are largely determined by sentencing guidelines. Rich white kids with no prior convictions don’t go to prison for stealing library books.
- ETH_start 4y agoThe prosecutors choose the charges, and did not have to choose charges that carried a maximum sentence of 35 years, which is almost a death sentence.