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Inn Program Reprise: It's Not Just a Cell Phone Anymore!

AN EXAMINATION OF ETHICAL AND EVIDENTIARY RULES IN THE AGE OF PERPETUAL SOCIAL MEDIA



COURSE OVERVIEW:

Examine the practical and ethical issues arising from the astounding amount of potential evidentiary information stored within, accessible to and accessible from a cell phone.

First generation cell phones contained no usage history, no photos, no text messages, no emails, no social media accounts, and no web browsing history. While the history of an old cell phone's inbound and outbound calls may have been available in
service provider records or in paper billing statements, it was not found on the device itself.

Today's technology records a myriad of actions related to the user, as well as the people, organizations and sites the user communicates with. It can also tell you the when/where/how the phone was used. And much of it is captured without the knowledge or intent of the user.
  • How should an attorney deal with a client's cell phone when it comes into their possession?
  • Can a client give informed consent to the attorney to search the phone for information that could be "helpful" to their case?
  • What can and should an attorney do when they find "unhelpful" information on a client's phone?
This program illustrates how easily and unknowingly an attorney may stray into dangerous territory where almost every move can make a situation worse.

THE COURSE IS PRESENTED IN THREE MAIN SECTIONS:

  • The Criminal Case Dilemma
  • The Civil Case Dilemma
  • Resolution (?)
The first two sections contain a video presentation, a review of applicable law and Model Rules of Professional Conduct, and a Knowledge Check which encourages interactive sharing. Once you have gone through the sections, completed your assignments and filled out the evaluation, a certificate will be generated for attorneys wishing to self-report for CLE credit. 

CLE Eligibility

If you are unsure if this program has been approved in your state or have any questions about self-reporting, please click on the CLE icon to find out more or  contact us before taking the time to purchase and complete this program!

pricing

  • Members and Alumni: $30
  • Non-members: $45

This course is based on an original program conceived and delivered by the Anthony M. Kennedy American Inn of Court. Thank you for your creative idea and presentation!