[otterley]

No metaphor is a perfect fit for the situation. It's a didactic device, nothing more.

Nevertheless, nobody's getting criminally prosecuted for accidentally fetching a file. Even someone who accidentally downloads child pornography once is unlikely to get in trouble for the mere act itself, provided they delete it as soon as they receive it.

Acts that are getting people in trouble are intentionally downloading files they have no good reason to access, clearly aren't authorized by the owner, and the circumstances surrounding the activity indicate an illicit purpose. All the facts that indicate guilt are going to be argued by an AUSA to a court and possibly a jury; no judge is going to hang someone (metaphorically speaking) for a mere accident.

C'mon, people. Use a little common sense.