presentation of digital evidence in court

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The Importance of Digital Evidence Presentation Systems

by ron | Nov 2, 2021 | Blog

presentation of digital evidence in court

The Scales of Justice have been used to symbolize truth and fairness in the justice system for centuries. This dates back all the way to Rome when they first began, with a reminder that everyone deserves their day in court – and that truth, fairness, equality should be given to all peoples, even if you are an accused criminal or someone being persecuted for their beliefs. Over the years in courtrooms, evidence has always been given. But year after year there is more to presenting that information than just giving it – today’s lawyers need tools for creating impact on jurors with their presentations whether they are sitting right next door or across state lines!

Digital presentation systems can help make sure all parties receive what needs seeing without missing anything important through remote access at any point during your case proceedings (even while you’re still deciding how best to approach things). You’ll never again have trouble looking over someone else’s shoulder when showing them something; now everything will stay focused solely where it should be: On Your Defense!

“93% of all information never leaves the digital domain. This means that the majority of information is being created, modified and consumed entirely in digital form.”

Forensic Focus

1. What is a Digital Evidence Presentation System (DEPS)?

Generally, a DEPS is made up of an evidence table, an overhead camera, lighting, a touch screen display, built-in speakers and multiple audio/video outputs and maybe connected to a DVD/CD Player, Computer, and LCD Screen.

2. How does it work and what are its features?

DEPS is comprised of an evidence table; overhead camera with lighting for low light situations; touch screen display which connects with multiple outputs including built in speakers or connection directly into other systems like the Judges screen for previewing, etc .

Attorneys can present evidence either by inserting the item and/or image under the document camera or by sending the electronic data points to the Judge for review before distribution. Data is collected from a variety of sources, such as cell phones, paper documents, physical items used at the scene of the incident/crime, etc…. No matter what the type of evidence it can be incorporated into the DEPS process so that all parties whether in person or remote can have access to view it.

3. What are some of the most common types of digital evidence used in courtrooms today?

According to Yuri Gubanov, with Forensic Focus, “A recent research conducted by Berkeley scientists concluded that up to 93% of all information never leaves the digital domain. This means that the majority of information is being created, modified and consumed entirely in digital form. Most spreadsheets and databases never make it on paper, and most digital snapshots never get printed. There are many activities such as chats and social networking that are specific to digital and are even unimaginable outside of the virtual realm.”

If this is true, and a large majority, if not all evidence is digital, how do we consume this properly? What are the most common types of digital evidence out there for review? Here is a starting list:

Address books and contact lists
Audio files and voice recordings
Backups to various programs, including backups to mobile devices
Bookmarks and favorites
Browser history
Compressed archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.) including encrypted archives
Configuration and .ini files (may contain account information, last access dates etc.)
Email messages, attachments and email databases
Hidden and system files
Organizer items
Page files, hibernation files and printer spooler files
Pictures, images, digital photos
Virtual machines
System files
Temporary files

4. What are the costs associated with using DEPS?

The costs vary depending on the amount of courtrooms you need to deploy these in, complexity of wiring and install in each room as well as age. While there’s many similarities across all manufacturers’ devices they all do have their own spin so it’s important for trial attorneys or judges who want high performing equipment without paying too much money upfront do detailed research prior to purchase. DEPS is crucial to your courtroom environment and to allow all parties a chance at justice.

Training & Support

As any new technology deployment goes ongoing support for the judicial staff is crucial in ensuring that they know how to use the system properly. The goal of updated technology is to streamline the court proceeding and to ensure justice for all. Training should be provided, by the DEPS vendor, for the regular courtroom users, district attorney, public defenders, and even the local bar. For those that are not attorneys training can be provided by simply having a laminated cheat sheet next to the document camera on how to use the system.

In Conclusion

As the justice system becomes more digitized, so too does the evidence. Digital Evidence Presentation (DEPS) is a crucial part of any legal case involving digital content. We would love to hear your thoughts on DEPS and how it has impacted you or someone close to you in court! Comment below with your experience with this new technology that’s changing our world for better or worse. What are YOUR thoughts on DEPS?