Alexa Koenig - Digital evidence and the use of open-source methods in international fact-finding

In this sixth episode of the Hearsay Evidence Podcast, host Manuel Sánchez Miranda and Professor Alexa Koenig discuss digital evidence in international fact-finding, especially in human rights investigations and international criminal trials. They discuss how social media and other digital platforms are reshaping the landscape of international fact-finding and legal proceedings. Professor Koenig emphasized the ethical considerations and authenticity challenges of digital evidence collection. Professor Koenig discusses the Berkeley Protocol, a groundbreaking guideline developed to standardize the process of collecting and verifying digital evidence for human rights investigations and international criminal trials. The Protocol, pioneered at the Human Rights Center at UC Berkeley, outlines best practices for ensuring the credibility, ethical acquisition, and legal admissibility of digital evidence in courts, setting a comprehensive standard for practitioners and investigators worldwide. The episode concludes with insights into the evolving role of technology in human rights investigations. Professor Koenig emphasized the need for continuous education and adaptation to technological advancements, highlighting how these tools not only challenge traditional methods but also offer new possibilities for accountability and justice in the digital era.