Jeremy Straub, assistant professor of computer science, NDSU Cybersecurity Institute director and Challey Institute faculty fellow, presented at the North Dakota Fall Judicial Conference on Nov. 2-22 in Bismarck, North Dakota.

Straub presented to judges from across the state at the state capitol building. The presentation, titled “Understanding Cryptocurrency, Blockchain and Data Mining,” informed judges regarding important topics which may be components of cases that come before them in the future.

“Computing technology is integrally involved in most court cases,” Straub said. “Cases, for example, may involve digital evidence and evidence collected or processed using a variety of software tools. It is critical that judges, lawyers and jurors understand the capabilities and limitations of the relevant technologies.”

During the 90-minute presentation, Straub explained how blockchain, cryptocurrency and data mining technologies work and discussed how they may be relevant to both civil and criminal cases in North Dakota. He also discussed evidentiary considerations related to the technologies.

“As part of our cybersecurity forensics class and other curriculum, I regularly present on and discuss computing law topics with undergraduate and graduate students at NDSU,” Straub said. “The questions, comments and concerns voiced by the judges about these technologies were extremely insightful. They will provide another perspective for me to consider when preparing for the next offering of the forensics class.”

As a student-focused, land-grant, research university, we serve our citizens.