Law discussion replies
First Post:
The form data is collected as evidence is extremely important and it is a current challenge of the legal system. It is imperative to collect data correctly so the data collected is not thrown out for mishandling. Cases where “misperception creates situations where evidence produced by new processes is challenged because the process or new forensic tool used in its recovery and analysis has not been validated to determine its fitness for use in forensic examinations (Boddington, 2016).” However, there are ways how big data evidence is becoming what makes or breaks a case. The legal system is leaning towards the evidence provided.
People are able to prove innocence if the evidence is showcased. There is a great documentary on Netflix called “Long Shot.” The show talks about how the cell phone pings were used to pinpoint the location of Juan Catalan, the man accused and possibly facing death row. But also, fortunately, he was at a game the day the murder was committed and was found on the TV show videotapes that placed him and his daughter in the stadium. “Amazingly, Catalan was cleared after his lawyer scoured the raw tapes of the episode and spotted him sitting in the very seat where he had claimed to be – pinpointing his exact position in a stadium that boasts a capacity of 56,000” (Reilly, 2017). This may not be an example of “Big Data” specifically but it does showcase how crucial data is becoming to the legal system. It is not perfect but at least there are ways to corroborate that the person was at the actual location they say they were. This proves how crucial data is. Imagine if the man was at home just a couple blocks from the scene of the crime, sadly he would possibly be on death row.
References
Boddington, R. (2016). Practical Digital Forensics. Packt Publishing.
Reilly, N. (2017, September 1). Netflix documentary reveals how ‘Curb your enthusiasm’ saved innocent man from the death penalty. NME | Music, Film, TV, Gaming & Pop Culture News. https://www.nme.com/news/netflix-documentary-long-shot-reveals-how-curb-your-enthusiasm-saved-innocent-man-2133328
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Second Post:
What do you think is the most important factor affecting the collection of digital data and what impact do you think that this factor has on the ultimate quest for obtaining evidence in a criminal case?
I think there are many factors that can affect the collection of digital data and impact the ultimate quest for obtaining evidence in a criminal case. When all the data is collected it needs to be 1) placed into a single system with the ability for all agencies to access, and 2) there needs to be a standard of how the data is collected to ensure all data is input in a methodical manner. Why have a standard of how you input your data? Well when machine learning (ML) systems or artificial intelligence (AI) comes into play it needs to be able to read all of this data and it needs to be placed in a predefined standard in which it can be read. I think that this factor of having a industry standard of how we college data will be major in obtaining evidence in a criminal case because it allows for the computer that are conducting the ML and AI to do so in a much productive manner. If not placed in a industry standard then the AI and ML will not be able to comprehend much if any of data that is being processed. (Petersen, Corona, Mayer, & Flatow, 2021)
Why is it important to look for Big Data and how could it be used in enhancing or finding evidence in a criminal or civil violation investigation?
By looking for big data and storing it you would be able to process said data and continue to add to it over time. By adding to it over time it allows you to build up your repository and allow more data to be processed by your ML and AI which in return will be able to provide more evidence for criminal convictions. (ANUSHA RAO, 2020)
References:
Petersen, C., Corona, A., Mayer, J., & Flatow, I. (n.d.). AI Is A Growing Part Of The Criminal Justice System. Should We Be Worried? Retrieved January 13, 2021, from https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/artificial-intelligence-is-a-growing-part-of-the-criminal-justice-system-should-we-be-worried/
ANUSHA RAO | September 13. (2020, September 13). Artificial intelligence poses serious risks in the criminal justice system. Retrieved January 13, 2021, from https://www.jhunewsletter.com/article/2020/09/artificial-intelligence-poses-serious-risks-in-the-criminal-justice-system
