In-Class Activity: Scenario Cards
Instructions: Break into groups of 2-3. For each scenario, discuss:
- Which pillar applies? (Authenticity, Enhancement, or Interpretation)
- What technique from today’s lecture might help?
- What’s one question you’d ask before starting?
Scenario 1: The Disputed 911 Call
A man is accused of making a threatening 911 call. He claims the recording was edited to remove context where he explained he was joking. The prosecution says the recording is complete and unaltered.
Scenario 2: The Parking Garage Assault
A security camera captured audio of an alleged assault in a parking garage. The victim’s words are obscured by echoing footsteps and HVAC noise. The defense wants to know exactly what was said.
Scenario 3: The Alibi Recording
A defendant claims he was at home during a crime, offering a voice memo recorded on his phone as proof. The timestamp shows 9:47 PM. The prosecution questions whether the recording was actually made at that time and location.
Debrief
- Which scenario seemed most straightforward? Most complex?
- Did any scenario involve more than one pillar?