Mitnick Given Chance to See World Without Computers
Kevin Mitnick has spent the last five years in a federal prison for invading computer systems at several high-tech companies. He was also charged with violating the terms of an earlier probation and fleeing from authorities. Clearly, he isn't going to win any citizenship awards for this sort of monkey business. However, the judge in this case was way out of line by imposing some very unusual restrictions on Mitnick's parole.
Specifically, he is prohibited from possessing or using computer hardware, computer software, modems, computer-related equipment, laptop computers, personal information assistants, cellular telephones or televisions or other communications instruments that can be connected to the Internet or telecommunications networks, with the exception of a landline telephone. He also is barred from working in the computer, computer software or telecommunications business or in any job where he has access to computers or computer-related equipment or software.
Consider this....you can be charged with DUI and be permitted to drink the moment the system releases you. You can run somebody over and be allowed to drive again when the system releases you. Sure certain crimes such as rape or child molestation would warrent strong probationary restrictions because they are generally committed by people who are incapable of controling their urges to act in a preditorial fashion. Mitnick's crime is a crime of theft. They don't tell theives that they aren't permitted to go into or work in stores for three years, do they? Certainly not. I would almost go as far to say that the judgement here was cruel and unusual.
Being denied even supervised access to computers denies Mitnick a fair chance at rehabilitation and being assymilated back into society. This will prevent him from furthering his education in our nation's colleges and universities. This will prevent him from legally getting a job with most companies today. What is the point of releasing him from jail only to deny him the right to apply his knowledge as a productive member of society? If Kevin Mitnick is such a threat to our society, then why is he being released in the first place?
Just some food for thought......If the Unibomber was to ever be freed from prison, should he be denied the right to use the postal service again?
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