Throwing the book at minor offenders is a policy choice made by state lawmakers.

FORBES: Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett Slashes Education, Increases Prison Funding

Trying to force Swartz (or anyone) to take a plea bargain by throwing the book at him erodes our right to a trial by jury.

FORBES: Does Making Aaron Swartz A Martyr Endanger Other Suicidal People?

Will throwing the book at him make our databases safer?

FORBES: The demonizing of a hacker