Piracy and Copyright Infringement When people download music and movies illegally they are breaking federal law and they should be prosecuted. This paper backs up that thesis statement with reliable resource information and appropriate updates on the law and the consequences of copyright violation.

Through it's student-centered "HelpDesk" Illinois State University (ISU) advises students enrolled in ISU classes that there are a number of companies offering streaming music for download legally (Shoutcast, Live365, and more), and there are companies that offer software for downloading music (Download.com, FilePlanet, among others), Helpdesk explains. There are also "Literally millions of songs" available for download using "P2P" software and "they are easy to get," the HelpDesk continues (HelpDesk, 2011).

For example any student can download a file-sharing program like uTorrent; once installed, this software can make a search for a student's favorite song or movie or artist, and download that favorite song, artist or film. However, "downloading copyrighted material without permission is illegal," the HelpDesk...

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A student might ask, "What's the big deal. It's easy, free, and fun," HelpDesk continues. The big deal is that it is against the law. The U.S. Copyright Office explains the law and how it applies to downloading music and movies without authorization:

"Copyright infringement occurs with a copyrighted work is reproduced, distributed, performed, publicly displayed, or made into a derivative work without the permission of the copyright owner" (U.S. Copyright Office). Those in violation of this law can face penalties such as fines and the holder of the copyright can even sue violators. This paper takes the position that violators who knowingly download (through P2P technologies or other sources) music and movies that are copyrighted should be held accountable by whatever means authorities can utilize. While this is not a crime equal to aggravated assault or perjury in front of a federal grand jury, it is a criminal offence and should be considered as such.

The University of Washington offers…