In early July, a fight broke out shortly before 4 p.m. in one of the neighborhoods near Interstate 278 in Staten Island. One man struck another man in the face with a closed and open fist, causing substantial injury. The office of Richmond County, New York District Attorney Michael McMahon wanted to bring misdemeanor assault and harassment charges against the assailant.

Traditionally, the victim would need to come meet with the assistant district attorney in the office’s domestic violence unit to sign the supporting deposition, under penalty of perjury. That in-person validation of the allegations by the accuser is being phased out in favor of a simple email, sent to the accuser, who is asked to reply simply with the statement “I agree,” and his or her name.