The Case of Internet Piracy was the first of two comic books named Justice Case Files. Produced by the non-profit National Center for State Courts, its claimed purpose was to educate readers about the workings of the U.S. justice system. In the words of NCSC president Mary Campbell McQueen, it would "remind the public of the important role that courts play in a democratic society."
Given this remit, the story it relates is an odd one: Teen-aged Megan is charged as a criminal after downloading music off the Internet. A heartfelt display of contrition in the courtroom saves her from jail, and the story ends with her explaining to the reader how lucky she was to be caught, and why the recording industry's business model is the correct one.
Questions remain. Why would a guide to the court system portray such a vanishingly unlikely legal scenario? Casual file-sharers are offered expensive settlements to avoid civil lawsuits, not charged with theft by "cyber police."
Why would Megan explain RIAA dogma in front of smashed music instruments piled against a wall on which "DO NOT DOWNLOAD" is scrawled in human blood? As a former court reporter, I must admit to being unfamiliar with these legal procedures.
Thanks to reader Tom, you can read it here today and win a copy of your own! Yay! All you have to do is send in the most hilarious remix of any panel or page therein. (Suggestion: Chick Tract mashup) We'll publish the entries after a fair interval and announce a winner.
The comic follows after the jump.
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