Gizmodo iPhone 4 theft investigation closing, charges may be next

[bachelier]

The person found it in a bar. He made a lame attempt in returning the iPhone. He then sold it to Gizmodo. The moment he didn't go through the proper procedures when recovering lost property and sold it to Gizmodo, it became stolen property.

Yeah, I guess according to that 1872 California law. Especially if you know the original owner.

If they charge the seller, I hope he kept that $5,000 safe somewhere. He's gonna need it very soon to hire an attorney.

 

[milani]

As pointed out in another post, journalists get extra protections in California beyond just the warrant requirement. The District Attorney even admitted that the search happened without all the proper authorization in place first.

Bloggers are usually not considered journalists - see Huffington Post for proof of this. Part of the case will turn on the definition of a journalist. For example, if I make a CNN iReport, am I considered a journalist? Would I get extra protections in that case? To my mind, calling a Gawker staffer a journalist is a pretty lose definition of the term - and I think most professional journalists would agree. But then, we'll see what happens.

 

[Michaelgtrusa]

They deserve this. But no sympathy for Apple.

 

[neko girl]

Bloggers are usually not considered journalists - see Huffington Post for proof of this. Part of the case will turn on the definition of a journalist. For example, if I make a CNN iReport, am I considered a journalist? Would I get extra protections in that case? To my mind, calling a Gawker staffer a journalist is a pretty lose definition of the term - and I think most professional journalists would agree. But then, we'll see what happens.

Why do you use the word "proof" in relation to an opinion?
Why do you think a blogger is not a journalist? Other people working for what has become a dinosaur (traditional publishing) isn't much of a defense.

 

[Shenaniganz08]

The police had a search warrant from the court. The search was completely legal.

lol please educate yourself on the facts of this case before making these kind of posts

 

[marksman]

This thread is making my head spin... We have rehash discussions of issues that were beaten beyond a bloody pulp in this place mixed in with a bizarro discussion about Apple supposedly not being able to keep journalists out of their own press events.