Scott Carlson Quoted in ED Tech Magazine

The May 2006 issue of ED Tech includes an article, "Chain of Custody," that notes how important it is to preserve evidence - - including digital evidence - - that may be required in a legal investigation.  A proper email chain of custody establishes the integrity of a piece of evidence, showing that it wasn't tampered with or otherwise altered since it was first collected.  While chains of custody is a legal term of art - - meaning it has specific meaning in the law and can have legal consequences - - it has significant practical implications for IT managers and other professionals.

"Although it plays a critical function in litigation where opposing counsel is challenging the authenticity of evidence - - particularly where digital evidence is involved - - I've found that there are very few who adequately account for the chain of custody, let alone appreciate its importance," observes Scott Carlson, a partner with the Chicago office of Seyfarth Shaw, whose practice focuses on electronic evidence and complex litigation.