Digital Evidence and Best Evidence Rule Legal-Technological Approach headed for Digital Evidence Admissibility Review

Abstract

Computer forensic whizzes do their utmost to employ effective tools and methodologies to extract and analyze data from storage devices used at the digital crime scene to acquire and be able to present admissible evidence in court. This paper is an attempt and a trial to highlight the areas of discussions and critical review of the available guidelines used to achieve successful computer crime investigation that is compatible with best evidence rule. The enforcement of information laws is a step in the right direction towards a knowledge-based well established cyber security, however having laws alone isn’t enough for carrying out valid and effective confrontation against cyber criminals. Consequently this paper studies the common factors and elements in the computer crime case with focus on best evidence rule and suitable road map process of Digital Forensic Investigation Framework (DFIF) to maintain a close cooperation between parties through effective use of legal concepts and technology. The paper discusses the main challenges and basics needed to be handled, and observed closely to grasp a successful prosecution of a cybercriminal. Basically, the paper deliberates and reviews deferent investigation frameworks of cybercrime with emphasis on the most prominent frameworks, legal requirements, technological, and technical practices needed over and done with studying cybercrime categories, rules of evidence in court, employing historical critical literature review and the study of restrictions imposed over admissibility of digital evidence