An Evaluation of Agreement and Conflict Among Computer Forensics Experts

The use of computer data as evidence within litigation is growing rapidly. Additionally, courts define computer data as a form of scientific evidence. The courts recognize that subject matter of scientific evidence is outside the general knowledge of the public, and it is beneficial for someone with special skills in the subject to explain the scientific evidence to the court; therefore, expert witnesses are permitted to enter their opinions into evidence to explain the data. However, a recent study identified widespread conflict among professionals in the field of computer forensics. This conflict raises serious questions concerning the data presented as evidence, the conclusions drawn by judges and juries, and the impact of those affected by the outcomes of legal proceedings. This paper discusses the findings of an analysis performed on data collected from computer forensics examiners and attorneys with computer forensics experience and provides a call for additional research.