Digital Evidence module (LV32001)

Digital evidence is a relatively new type of evidence. It is becoming increasingly common to be used in investigations and presented as evidence within the courts.

Digital evidence is similar to other types of evidence. That said, there are also significant differences. It is important for legal practitioners to have an awareness of digital evidence, including:

• where it can be found
• how it can be reliably analysed
• how it can be interpreted
• how it can be presented

Equally important is knowledge of what digital evidence can and cannot tell us. You will learn what are its vulnerabilities, and the challenges surrounding the field.

You will learn about the nature of digital evidence in the criminal justice and civil litigation systems.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• learn how to critically review different types of digital evidence
• describe and apply the legal and procedural guidelines that must be followed when handing digital evidence
• evaluate and discuss the methods involved in communicating digital evidence in court
• evaluate and critically examine examples of digital evidence

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• effectively identify, analyse, communicate, and professionally evaluate digital evidence

Assignments / assessment

• coursework (40%)
• online multiple choice/short answer exam (60%)

Teaching methods / timetable

This module is delivered fully online, with the exception of an introductory lecture in week 1 which is in-person. This allows you to balance your learning round other modules in your course.

Pre-recorded videos will guide you through the material. These will be supplemented by a detailed reading list of relevant cases.