Originally Posted by D

I can go into my apartment, scan for network connections, and find a half-dozen connects at any given time - at least half of which are not secured.

Does that mean I have the right to log onto one of those connects, and start running every bandwidth-heavy application I can think of?

I don't think it does. I don't think any sensible adult would think so, either.

And I also think that my personal rights and liberties in my own residence would be greater than in a public location.

So, if I shouldn't do it at home - what justifies doing it in public?