Dec. 20, 2023 – The issues surrounding searches for digital evidence are changing as rapidly as the underlying technology.
Jennifer Granick, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union, said that digital searches differ in several significant ways from physical searches.
“One of the biggest differences is the volume of information, whether it’s on your phone or your computer or online, in your email or your social media accounts,” Granick said.
Granick is one of the presenters at the annual Forensic Justice Institute, a virtual event scheduled for Jan. 19. Register here.
According to Granick, the nature of digital evidence is different from physical evidence.
“There is far more information available to law enforcement today than ever before in history,” Granick said. “And the nature of this information is incredibly personal.”
The way in which digital content is created and stored also makes it different than physical evidence, Granick said.
“Often, that evidence will be intermingled with evidence that is irrelevant to the crime and is truly personal, and information for which there is not probable cause,” Granick said.
“In the real world, we would have a way of distinguishing between what police can look for and what they can’t.”
Forensic Justice Institute 2024
The Forensic Justice Institute examines the use and application of scientific evidence presented in court. Hosted by the Center for Integrity in Forensic Sciences (CIFS) and State Bar of Wisconsin PINNACLE®, this event brings together experts in forensics and national speakers to provide an impartial evaluation of current scientific methods and their often-submitted evidential results.
The institute is your opportunity to gain a clearer understanding of the reliability of these methods to ensure your next case relies on science facts rather than science fiction.
Topics covered include:
- DNA Analysis
- Digital forensics
- Judicial insights
- Forensic chemistry
- Ethical duties regarding bad convictions
- And more
About the Forensic Justice Institute
Where: Online
When: 8:15 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19, 2024
Visit WisBar.org’s Marketplace for more information and to register.
Note that the Forensic Justice Institute will be submitted to the Wisconsin Board of Bar Examiners for up to 8.5 CLE and 1.5 EPR credits.
