The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit recently issued a ruling that may limit the scope of computer searches of criminal suspects. In turn, law enforcement agencies will likely have to supply better supervision and training for those that conduct the digital examinations.
Let's start with the basics: Ordinarily, a search warrant is required before evidence can be seized. That warrant must offer evidence that there is probable cause that a crime has been committed, describe the items sought in the search, and explain how they are connected to the crime. The subsequent search must be limited to the evidence described in the warrant.
