In the Usenet newsgroup alt.computer.security, in article
<db57t0$8b1@dispatch.concentric.net>, winged wrote:

>Death penalty for hackers, thinks someone has gone off their nut. We
>don't even kill folks who kill people deliberately often enough.

never mind beheading spammers with a dull rusty uxe.

>I am more concerned about the arrest of an individual who accessed an
>open wireless connection. The wireless network was open (i.e. no logon
>or password required) and the individual who accessed this open
>connection was accused of "hacking" into the network by the reporter in.

From an article in a thread that started 6 July 2005 in the newsgroup
'alt.internet.wireless' with a title 'Man Charged With Stealing Wi-Fi
Signal" (watch the line wrap)

]http://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_
String=&URL=Ch0815/SEC06.HTM&Title=->2003->Ch0815->Section%2006#0815.06
]
] The very first item is:
]
] 815.06 Offenses against computer users.--
] (1) Whoever willfully, knowingly, and without authorization:
] (a) Accesses or causes to be accessed any computer, computer
] system, or computer network;
]
] which covers the illegal access. 2(a) makes it a 3rd degree felony.
]
] (2)(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c), whoever
] violates subsection (1) commits a felony of the third degree,
] punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

A Third Degree Felony is punishable by a term of imprisonment not to
exceed 5 years and a fine not to exceed $5,000.00

>I have to wonder what the definition of hacking St Peterburg Times.

Don't forget - the "press" has wider interpretations of terms, because they
have to sell newspapers or air time. Laws on the other hand, are written
by lawyers for interpretation by lawyers.

>Makes me wonder if the next time I go to starbucks if I will be
>arrested. (Though I probably should be for paying 5 bucks for a cup of
>coffee).

No, the $5 charge for a cup of crap coffee is the "punishment".

>While hacking into a wireless point I would consider wrong, accessing a
>wide open connection should not be. Carried out to the ultimate lunacy,
>anyone accessing an http server without explicit permission should be
>arrested.

Again - watch the line wrap

]http://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=Ch0
815/ch0815.htm
]
]That explains what Florida means by "access".
]
] 815.03 Definitions.--As used in this chapter, unless the context
] clearly indicates otherwise:
]
] (1) "Access" means to approach, instruct, communicate with, store
] data in, retrieve data from, or otherwise make use of any
] resources of a computer, computer system, or computer network.
]
] Egads. One can't even approach a computer in Florida without breaking
] the law.

so KEEP YOUR DISTANCE FROM COMPUTERS!!!

Old guy