Admissibility of digital images in Michigan

State: Michigan

Are Digital photographs admissible since they can be altered? Especially in a traffic accident showing damage?

They are admissible (especially in small claims court) but the other side can bring up the possibility of alteration when they make their case.

The admissibility of digital photographs in criminal cases.

From: The FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin
Date: December 1, 2005
Author: Nagosky, David P.

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Representing today's trend in photography, digital cameras continue to rapidly replace traditional film-based models. As prices keep dropping, consumer ownership will become even more prevalent. Similarly, law enforcement agencies have begun to favor digital cameras--just the latest in a long line of technological innovations used by departments to collect and document evidence. Digital photography offers law enforcement numerous benefits, including instant access to images, rapid transportability of pictures within a department or to outside agencies, and decreased cost and time ...

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The admissibility of digital photographs in criminal cases. - The FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin | Encyclopedia.com

FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin

December 2005
Volume 74
Number 12

United States
Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Washington, DC 20535-0001

Robert S. Mueller III
Director

Contributors' opinions and statements should not be considered an endorsement by the FBI for any policy, program, or service.

The attorney general has determined that the publication of this periodical is necessary in the transaction of the public business required by law. Use of funds for printing this periodical has been approved by the director of the Office of Management and Budget.

The FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin (ISSN-0014-5688) is published monthly by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 935 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20535-0001. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C., and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Editor, FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, FBI Academy, Madison Building, Room 201, Quantico, VA 22135.

Editor
John E. Ott

Associate Editors
Cynthia L. Lewis
David W. MacWha
Bunny S. Morris

Art Director
Denise Bennett Smith

Assistant Art Director
Stephanie L. Lowe

Staff Assistant
Cynthia H. McWhirt

This publication is produced by members of the Law Enforcement Communication Unit, Training and Development Division.

Internet Address
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©Mark C. Ide

Send article submissions to Editor, FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, FBI Academy, Madison Building, Room 201, Quantico, VA 22135.

Features
The Admissibility of Digital Photographs in Criminal Cases
By David P. Magosky
Agencies have many considerations in ensuring the admissibility of digital photographs in criminal cases

Supreme Court Cases 2004-2005 Term
By FBI Academy Legal Instruction Unit
Six Supreme Court decisions of particular importance to law enforcement are summarized.

Federal Bureau of Investigation - December 2005 Issue Law Enforcement Bulletin

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