The Recording Industry Association of America thought it had a big win against a student who shared some music files. But something’s changed.

Last year a jury found that Boston University student Joel Tenenbaum, who downloaded and distributed 30 music files, was guilty of copyright infringement and should pay $675,000 in damages. That works out to $22,500 per song.

But now a judge has dramatically reduced the amount of the award, all the way down to $67,500.

Why? The judge said the amount awarded by the jury was so high that it was unconstitutional – even though it was within the range set by the relevant statute.

Stressing that Tenenbaum “reaped no pecuniary reward from his infringement” and “caused the plaintiffs minimal harm,” the judge said it would violate his due process rights to make him pay such a large amount.

Cite: Sony BMG Music Entertainment v. Tenenbaum

Was reducing the award the right call? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.

Tags: Boston University, damages, due process, file-sharing