Final answer:
Arguments against punishing illegal downloading include the potential overestimation of harm caused, the disproportionate nature of the punishment, and the importance of balancing creator rights with consumer access in a free-market society. This focuses on understanding the broader context of internet use and copyright enforcement.
Step-by-step explanation:
While state and federal governments have put laws in place to protect intellectual property, there is an argument to be made against punishing those who illegally download music or movies. One perspective is that the real harm caused by individual non-commercial copyright infringement is often overestimated, and the punishment may be disproportionally harsh compared to the actual impact on the market. There is also the broader question of internet freedom, as the internet serves many purposes from keeping in touch with friends to engaging in commerce. In a democratic society that values free-market capitalism, it is crucial to balance protecting the rights of creators with the rights of consumers, and the extent of punishment should reflect this balance. Moreover, the focus for copyright holders might be better placed on creating more accessible models of content distribution that can minimize the appeal of illegal downloads.