Digital Evidence in Criminal Cases before the U.S. Courts of Appeal: Trends and Issues for Consideration

Though the use of computer forensics in criminal investigations has expanded in recent years, there is limited empirical evidence about the prevalence of the use of digital evidence in the court system and its impact on prosecutorial outcomes.  This webinar will discuss how digital evidence has performed in the US. Courts of Appeal, and how the U.S. Courts of Appeal generally views the science behind computer forensics.  Participants will understand: (1) the most common legal basis for appeals related to digital evidence, (2) the most frequent outcomes for those appeals, (3) the most prevalent challenges to digital forensics, and (4) which appeals are the most likely to results in a affirmed or reversed decision for the defendant.

Presented by: Martin Novak, Senior Computer Scientist, National Institute of Justice