Hacker News Reader

So why criminalize possession if possession will only ever be prosecuted in the context of some other crime? If prosecutors or legislators think they need longer punishments for those crimes, why not just extend the sentence for the base crime, rather than tacking on a bunch of technical crimes like "possession of things we don't like"?

View on HN

I think that the legal theory is that possession of certain items is indicative of bad intent.

If I carry x quantity of illegal drugs, I'm a user getting charged with a misdemeanor. If I carry x + y quantity of illegal drugs, I'm presumed to be a drug dealer.

I'm just explaining the thought process -- not agreeing with it. Unlike drug sales or burglary, the most important tool for hacking is whatever is in your head.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com