PRECEPT-4-Justice: A bias-neutralising framework for digital forensics investigations

Area of Science:

• Computer Science
• Digital Forensics
• Law

Background:

• Software is integral to modern life, operating critical systems and infrastructure.
• A common misconception attributes software errors solely to human operator error.
• Software, hardware, and communication systems can all introduce complex, hard-to-isolate errors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze how biases influence digital forensic investigations.
• To propose a framework for objective digital forensics, preventing miscarriages of justice.
• To use the Post Office Horizon IT case as a case study for these issues.

Main Methods:

• Case study analysis of the Post Office Horizon IT scandal.
• Examination of biases in investigations and legal proceedings.
• Development of a conceptual framework for objective digital forensics.

Main Results:

• Unquestioning reliance on software evidence can lead to wrongful convictions.
• Cognitive and systemic biases can significantly skew digital forensic investigations.
• The Post Office Horizon IT case exemplifies the devastating consequences of flawed investigations.

Conclusions:

• A robust framework is needed to ensure objectivity in digital forensics.
• Mitigating biases in investigations is crucial for preventing future miscarriages of justice.
• This research aims to inform the development of more reliable and equitable digital forensic practices.