Abstract: In recent studies, the “Tech-Effect” has replaced the “CSI-Effect” as a means to explain the potential impact of technology on jurors. In past studies, the CSI-Effect (Crime Scene Investigation Effect) proposed that jurors tend to acquit suspects when forensic evidence isn’t as prevalent as it is in television crime dramas. The newer “Tech-Effect” (Technology Effect) proposes that crime dramas do not influence jurors; rather, jurors have heightened expectations for technical and scientific evidence simply because technology is so widespread in society. This study surveyed 131 students in a medium-sized, private university to determine if a Tech-Effect truly exists (and if so) can it influence juror credibility. Specifically, the survey attempted to answer two questions: 1) Will students in IS/IT degree programs demonstrate greater knowledge of forensic technology in cases involving digital evidence?, and 2) Will students in IS/IT programs demonstrate lower acquittal rates in cases involving digital evidence? The study found that students in IS/IT programs do demonstrate greater knowledge of forensic technology. However, the study failed to reveal a relationship between higher levels of digital forensic knowledge and higher rates of acquittal.

Keywords: computer security, Digital Forensics, forensics, Information Security, legal, network security

Download this article: JISAR - V5 N4 Page 44.pdf

Recommended Citation: Davis, G., Paullet, K., Kraeer, B., Grant, A. (2012). The New Tech Effect: Analyzing Juror Credibility In Cases Involving Digital Evidence . Journal of Information Systems Applied Research, 5(4) pp 44-54. http://jisar.org/2012-5/ ISSN: 1946-1836. (A preliminary version appears in The Proceedings of CONISAR 2011)