In this week's Unix Security , Carole Fennelly explains how a lack of knowledge about the relevant issues is impeding the ability of courts to combat computer crime.
Computer crimes present a monumental challenge to legal systems worldwide.
Charged with administering justice, courts and jury members generally do not understand the complicated technical evidence required to prove guilt in cases involving alleged computer crimes. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies advocate stiffer penalties and prosecutors employ hacker stereotyping rather than hard evidence to sway juries. A pretty harsh characterization, but one that makes it all the more critical that we ensure justice is properly served. Sadly, legal systems remain incapable of understanding technical evidence. My recent involvement in the trial of an accused computer criminal made this point quite clear.