Judge Verity Gentry of the 11th Judicial District completed an intensive Digital Evidence course the week of Nov. 13-17 at the National Computer Forensics Institute in Hoover, AL. The program, which provides advanced training for state and local law enforcement, prosecutors and judges, was a unique opportunity that came at no cost to the parish or the state.
As one of only 25 judges selected nationwide, Judge Gentry’s participation distinguished her as the sole attendee from Louisiana, the youngest judge, and the one with shortest tenure on the bench. Most of the class participants have served as judges for a decade or more.
The diverse group hailed from widespread jurisdictions, including Wisconsin, Saipan (U.S.
Commonwealth), Puerto Rico, California and Idaho, among others. The breadth of experience represented ranged from limited jurisdiction to tribal court, district court and appellate court.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to have attended an extremely informative, cutting-edge week of training for judges at the National Computer Forensics Institute,” Judge Gentry said.
The first part of the week was comprised of hands-on activities, including disassembling and rebuilding computers, extracting and examining data from a phone and exploring cutting- edge technologies used by law enforcement to solve crimes.
The course remainder was dedicated to a comprehensive study of the legal aspects surrounding digital data, including an examination of how courts and the United States Supreme Court interpret the Fourth Amendment’s warrant requirement concerning different types of digital data. Exception scenarios to the warrant requirement were scrutinized, along with the need for expert testimony for admitting digital data as evidence during trials.
As a course complement, participants took an after-hours tour of the Civil Rights Institute and Museum in Birmingham, gaining insights into the judiciary’s role in the civil rights movement. A visit to the 16th Street Baptist Church provided a poignant reflection on the evolution of judicial pow- proficiency on the bench er in challenging and dismantling discriminatory practices.
Judge Verity Gentry’s attendance at the prestigious program enhances and underscores her commitment to assuring Sabine Parish is at the forefront of legal knowledge and technology.