[mpyne]

As far as I can tell he was never charged with any variant of copying files.

He was charged with unauthorized access to a computer network and wire fraud.

Given your idea of what jail means for rich white kids like Aaron though, I'd just like to recommend that you actually look into the U.S. prison system (at worst you'll find out what's actually wrong with it and not have to make stuff up).

[oleganza]

If he declines to go to a nice little jail, he'll be shot down when trying to defend himself. So the threat of jail is an ultimate threat of murder, right? Do you think it is appropriate measure for unauthorised access to a computer network? Especially after the fact, not while he's busy doing that.

When some guy comes to your porch and does not go away, what would you do? Would you try to push him out on the street, or you will chase him with a gun in attempt to put him in a cell? What would you do if the same guy already stepped on your porch and broke your chair? Will you threaten him with death? Or you will ask policemen and court to do that dirty job for you?

[corin_]

You've just used logic to prove that we have a death penalty for every crime that exists.

[oleganza]

In the realm of government-imposed law? Yes. There is also lynching, but it generally does not occur.

Outside the government people use peaceful dispute resolution organizations, reputation systems, rating agencies and insurance companies.