[Mad Dawgg]

"If the RIAA is using third party software that attacks a legitimate companies services then the RIAA is liable."

I don't think the RIAA Uses third party software directly I believe the hire it done.

From the article: "MediaDefender, Louderback notes, gets paid to disrupt peer-to-peer networks by injecting fake media files."

[radioman]

I don't think the RIAA Uses third party software directly I believe the hire it done.

Denial of service attacks are a federal crime. If I hire someone to commit a crime for me I am guilty of committing that crime...that's the law.
The RIAA should be charged with operating an ongoing criminal enterprise under the RICO Act.