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Abstract: 

The education level of the typical juror is roughly eighth grade. Thus, with the proliferation of cases involving computer evidence and technical expert testimony, it is important for the prosecution to present its case clearly, concisely, and in a manner comprehensible to nonexperts. Computer evidence can include concepts such as slack space, unallocated space, Trojan horse programs, and other technical aspects of computer forensics. Compounding the complexity of the type of evidence in computer cases is the added difficulty that most jurors do not have knowledge of computers beyond the most basic familiarity needed to operate them. Therefore, the knowledge gap between the average juror and a computer forensic examiner is great.

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Affiliations:  1: Mesa Police Department; 2: National Center for Prosecution of Child Abuse.