Legal Unpacked

Let our in-house technical prosecutor lead, Justin Fitzsimmons, demystify the relationship between digital forensics and the legal system in this webinar series. Join Justin as he demonstrates how digital evidence can make all the difference in your cases.

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Upcoming Webinar

S2:E1 // From Device examination to evidence: Direct examination of the digital device examiner

This session provides a practical framework for conducting the direct examination of a digital device examiner. Participants will explore how to establish qualifications, explain examination methods, and introduce findings in a way that is accurate, understandable, and legally sufficient. Emphasis is placed on laying a clear technical foundation while maintaining focus on relevance, reliability, and admissibility.

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Season 1

On Demand Webinars

On Demand Webinars

S1:E1 // Search warrants for digital evidence: The data-driven approach

In this first episode of Legal Unpacked, Magnet Forensics’ resident prosecutorial expert, Justin Fitzsimmons will provide investigators and prosecutors with a practical, structured approach to drafting search warrants for digital evidence.

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October 2, 2025

ai , cloud , computer , media , mobile

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On Demand Webinars

On Demand Webinars

S1:E2 // Beyond the app icon: Drafting mobile device warrants that reflect how data is really stored

Mobile devices store data in fragmented and often unintuitive ways.

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November 6, 2025

cloud , computer , media , mobile

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On Demand Webinars

On Demand Webinars

S1:E3 // Proving who was holding the phone: Drafting warrants that explain the need for user attribution

Knowing what happened on a device is only half the story—proving who was behind the activity is critical.

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December 4, 2025

cloud , computer , media , mobile

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On Demand Webinars

On Demand Webinars

S1:E4 // eDiscovery: Using civil discovery to dig deep into digital evidence

Digital evidence is now at the heart of most civil litigation; however, gaining meaningful access to it still depends on how effectively lawyers utilize traditional discovery rules. 

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January 15, 2026

ai , automate , magnet-automate , magnet-axiom-cyber , magnet-nexus , magnet-review , magnet-verakey , magnet-verify

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On Demand Webinars

On Demand Webinars

S1:E5 // The importance of preservation for mobile evidence

Mobile security features are constantly evolving, and with that, the window of opportunity for digital examiners to collect the most mobile data possible is constantly shrinking.

About a 1 minute view

February 26, 2026 • About a 1 minute view

computer , hidden , mobile

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On Demand Webinars

On Demand Webinars

S1:E6 // AI on trial: Understanding AI for lawyers

Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming a regular part of our daily lives—including modern criminal prosecutions and courtroom practice. In this episode of Legal Unpacked, Justin Fitzsimmons introduces a clear three-dimensional AI framework for lawyers, distinguishing capabilities, tools, and applications, and explaining the current reality of narrow AI that drives most systems in use today.   Prosecutors will gain a practical understanding of generative AI, including how it creates content, where it fails, and why documented breakdowns in the legal profession matter for credibility and risk assessment. The presentation also addresses the ethical and professional responsibilities associated with AI-assisted work and provides a structured approach for evaluating when and how generative AI may be used responsibly in prosecutorial functions. The session concludes by grounding generative AI–created trial exhibits in evidentiary foundations, focusing on authenticity, reliability, and admissibility in court.

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April 2, 2026

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On Demand Webinars

On Demand Webinars

S1:E7 // Overcoming AI & deepfake defense in ICAC cases

Artificial intelligence is increasingly being invoked in child exploitation cases as a defense strategy, with claims that images are AI-generated, deepfakes, and that no real child is being depicted—all to create confusion and undermine proof.

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April 16, 2026

ai , cloud , computer , magnet-axiom , magnet-review , magnet-verify , media , mobile

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On Demand Webinars

On Demand Webinars

S1:E8 // Search warrants for cloud data: Building legal process around how online data is actually stored 

As more digital activity migrates to the cloud, investigators need to adjust their legal processes to align with the realities of online data storage. In this episode of Legal Unpacked, Justin Fitzsimmons will examine how to draft effective search warrants for cloud-based data, including the need to understand the types of user information providers actually collect and store.   You’ll learn the importance of reviewing and preserving key service documents, including terms of service, privacy policies, cookie policies, and screenshots of provider-facing dashboards or archive tools, to demonstrate what data exists and how the companies retain it.   There will also be an emphasis on defining, with precision, the types of data relevant to the investigation and supporting each request with the information courts expect: a clear explanation of the specific data sought, how that data is generated through user or system activity, where it resides within the provider’s infrastructure, why it is relevant to proving elements of the offense, and how it may help attribute the activity to a specific user. This approach provides a practical framework for satisfying the requirements of probable cause and particularity, while making your request intelligible and credible to both courts and service providers. 

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May 21, 2026

cloud , computer , media

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On Demand Webinars

On Demand Webinars

S1:E9 // Digital evidence in criminal prosecutions: Discovery obligations, requests, and practical strategy

This session examines how digital evidence reshapes discovery obligations in criminal prosecutions, from identifying what must be disclosed to crafting effective discovery requests. Participants will explore practical strategies for managing large volumes of digital material, understanding examiner reports, and ensuring timely, complete, and transparent disclosures. The focus is on aligning legal obligations with the realities of how digital evidence is created, stored, and reviewed.

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June 11, 2026

cloud , computer , media , mobile

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On Demand Webinars

On Demand Webinars

S1:E10 // Preparing the court for trial: Strategic Motions in Limine in criminal prosecutions

This presentation focuses on the strategic use of motions in Limine to address digital evidence issues before the trial begins. Participants will learn how to use pretrial motions to obtain advance rulings on the admissibility and scope of digital evidence, define evidentiary boundaries, and clarify how technical material may be presented at trial. Emphasis is placed on educating the court early, reducing trial interruptions, and establishing clear expectations for the use of digital evidence before the first witness is called.

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July 23, 2026

cloud , computer , media , mobile

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On Demand Webinars

On Demand Webinars

S1:E11 // No surprises on the stand: Pretrial preparation for investigators and examiners

This session addresses the critical role of pretrial preparation for investigators and digital evidence examiners who will testify at trial. Participants will learn how to coordinate with prosecutors to clarify the scope, anticipate challenges, and ensure testimony aligns with reports, exhibits, and legal theory. The goal is to promote clear, confident, and consistent testimony that withstands cross-examination and supports admissibility.

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August 21, 2026

cloud , computer , media , mobile

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On Demand Webinars

On Demand Webinars

S1:E12 // Presenting the proof: Incorporating digital evidence into opening statements and closing arguments

This presentation examines how prosecutors can effectively incorporate digital evidence into opening statements and closing arguments without overstating its significance or confusing the jury.

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September 18, 2026

cloud , computer , media , mobile

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