Electronic discovery, also known as eDiscovery, is defined as locating information stored electronically with the intention of using it as evidence in a criminal or civil legal case. In 2006, the U.S. Supreme Court amended the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP) to ensure discovery includes electronic evidence.
This type of discovery involves the investigation of electronic activities, such as identifying web browsing activity and metadata, revealing the content of temporary files, obtaining data fragments, unlocking password-protected files, and determining if electronic files have been tampered. While electronic discovery is mainly used by law firms, it is also used by big corporations to settle disputes and non-disclosure issues. During this process, data of all types can be recovered to be used as evidence.
Electronic evidence includes the following:
- Word processing documents
- Databases
- Website visits
- Spreadsheets
- All other digital files, including instant messaging logs.
Text Messages
In an increasingly digital world, attorneys and clients often find themselves faced with using text messages as evidence for legal proceedings. Being able to accurately capture these messages with the correct information is crucial to being able to use these messages in court.
For text messages to be admissible in court, you will need to be sure to preserve the necessary information, such as date and time of the message, and the real contact information of the other parties in the message, such as an email or phone number. Saving and printing text messages for evidence can be approached in several ways.
iPhone
For iPhones, iPads, and iTouch devices, you can either use a program or a screenshot to capture the messages. This is already a widely used program by lawyers and law enforcement to preserve messages.
Android
Similar to iOS devices, Android users can rely on an application or a screenshot to save messages. Android models vary in the ways they capture a screen shot.
Saving text messages as evidence does not have to be difficult, with the appropriate tools. It is important to remember to back up your messages and other digital data regularly, as well as consult with a qualified lawyer about gathering text messages as evidence.
How Acro Photo Print Inc. Can Help
Our team offers legal printing solutions to help you organize the data necessary to present your case. We specialize in efficient, confidential, and cost-effective services to fulfill your needs. By using industry-leading software to gather and analyze your data, we can present the data in your preferred format.
Contact Acro Photo Print Inc. and schedule an appointment today.