Facial Recognition Software

Question 1

Primary Task Response: Within the Discussion Board area, write 400–600 words that respond to the following questions with your thoughts, ideas, and comments. This will be the foundation for future discussions by your classmates. Be substantive and clear, and use examples to reinforce your ideas:

Technology and its impact on the admission of evidence

Facial recognition software has come a long way in a short period of time, and is believed by many to provide a technological boost to law enforcement’s ability to identify potential suspects. One of the problems law enforcement often faces today is the availability of photo or video images from a crime, but no way to effectively identify an individual shown on the photo or video.

• For this discussion board, research facial recognition software, its reliability, effectiveness, and admissibility.
• Share with your classmates what you’ve learned about facial recognition software.
• In addition to your general discussion on facial recognition software, please answer the following questions:
  • Is there a consensus in the scientific community on the reliability of facial recognition software?
  • Are there any courts that have admitted evidence based on facial recognition software?
  • How have courts traditionally dealt with new technologies and their evidentiary impact on the criminal trial?
  • What, if any, barriers stand in the way of courts using facial recognition software?
  • Do you believe that the admission of evidence based on facial recognition software will ever become commonplace in our criminal justice system? Why or why not?

Question 2

Jesse James, a 20-year old, was arrested for killing a police officer. As a newly elected prosecutor, you are responsible for prosecuting Mr. James. You announce your decision not to seek the death penalty in this case, but under your state’s law, the offense charged is considered special circumstances, which would qualify as a death penalty case. Your decision does not sit well with the law enforcement community.

Assignment Guidelines

• Address the following in 900–1,200 words:
  • List the various hearings that will typically occur and how the case is affected by each event.
  • Provide an overview of the various courts in the typical state system where Mr. James will appear and why he is appearing there, from arraignment to trial and the various levels of appeal. Be sure to provide specific information as it relates to any constitutional issues that may be raised at each stage in the process.
  • What are the potential hearings that might be involved in this case? Be sure to describe them from the time of arrest through appeal.
  • What are the relevant civil liberties issues pertaining to the 4th, 5th, 6th, 8th, and 14th Amendments present in this case?
• Be sure to reference all sources using APA style.