Digital Forensic and Distributed Evidence

Abstract

Digital Forensics investigation is the science and legal process of investigating computer/cybercrimes and digital media or objects to gather evidence. This new and fast evolving field encompasses computer forensics, network forensics, mobile forensics, cloud computing forensics, and IoT forensics; and for this reason have digital evidence distributed widely when the need arises for crime prosecution. Digital evidence must be authentic, accurate, complete, and convincing to the jury for legal admissibility at the court of law. In many instances due to the distributed nature of digital forensic evidence and the legal procedures to be adhered to in evidence gathering at a digital crime scene, presenting at the law courts have proven to be challenging and in some instances inadmissible. Following legal procedures in evidence gathering at a digital crime scene is critical for admissibility and prosecution. This paper aims to discuss digital forensics investigations jurisprudence in relation to distributed digital evidence. For the study to be relevant to policy and practice, forensic tools and frameworks, legal and ethical obligations, and digital evidence handling and admissibility are highlighted. This paper does not follow any forensic investigations process; but rather discusses the need for development and implementation of unique frameworks that could be utilised to gather distributed digital evidence required for admissibility in court. Keywords - Digital forensics investigations; Digital evidence; Jurisprudence BOOK Chapter ǀ Research Nexus in IT, Law, Cyber Security & Forensics. Open Access. Distributed Free Citation: Emmanuel Kpakpo Brown (2022): Digital Forensic and Distributed Evidence Book Chapter Series on Research Nexus in IT, Law, Cyber Security & Forensics. Pp 357-362 www.isteams.net/ITlawbookchapter2022. dx.doi.org/10.22624/AIMS/CRP-BK3-P57