Teleconference Examines How Evidence Has Changed in the Digital Era

Legal evidence, like other forms of information, has become increasingly electronic. Shelley Lightburn of the International Court of Justice examines how the digital revolution is impacting the judicial process in the latest teleconference in UMaine’s Digital Curation program.

Digital Curation teleconference with Shelley Lightburn

Head of Archives, International Court of Justice
Tuesday 14 December, 2021
11am – noon EST
Register for free

Lightburn is the Head of the Archives, Indexing and Distribution Division at the International Court of Justice in the Hague, and an alumna of the Digital Curation graduate program. After her presentation, participants will have a chance to ask her about the impact of electronic data on the concept of the “original’ and “authenticity.”

Fingerprints, papers, and other physical artifacts can be held in the hand or examined in the lab, but immaterial bits and the technologies to display them can be easily modified and subject to technological obsolescence. These challenges can pose obstacles for courts trying to adapt to the increasing prevalence of digital evidence.

Digital forensics tools are increasingly becoming a standard component of archivist’s tool kit. In the face of continual change, archivists such as Lightburn have also researched more advanced digital curation techniques, such as how emulation and 3d scanning might relieve the burden of trying to save every bit and byte.

The International Court of Justice is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. Composed of 15 judges, the court settles legal disputes between member states and offers advisory opinions to the UN and specialized agencies.

Lightburn will discuss her thoughts on how classic archives theory intersects with the digital age, and what strategies can help small institutions boot up their own digital preservation programs.

Registration is free at the link above.