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Part 2 - Why the Clarus Project is needed

Site: OpenLearn Create
Course: Digital Detectives: Understanding Communication in Digital Forensic Evidence
Book: Part 2 - Why the Clarus Project is needed
Printed by: Guest user
Date: Thursday, 10 September 2026, 9:10 PM

Table of contents

1. Why the Clarus Project is needed

Introducing Digital Detectives

Throughout this course, we will follow a fictional investigation through our Digital Detectives: Murders in Clarusia comic.

The comic brings some of the issues explored by the Clarus project to life, showing how digital evidence moves through an investigation and how different professionals communicate and work together along the way.

Before we begin the investigation itself, read pages 3–5, which introduce the Clarus project and some of the people and processes involved in working with digital evidence.

As you read, think about:

  • How many different people or professional roles can you identify?
  • Where does communication need to take place between them?
  • Why might clear communication be particularly important when working with digital evidence?

You don't need to know the answers yet. As you progress through the course, we will return to the Digital Detectives story and look more closely at what happens when digital evidence moves between people, teams and organisations.

 

For full description see 'Comic Image Descriptions and Word Bubbles' File

For full description see 'Comic Image Descriptions and Word Bubbles' File

For full description see 'Comic Image Descriptions and Word Bubbles' File

Digital evidence is:

  • Technically complex
  • Often high in volume
  • Interpreted by different professional groups
  • Used across different legal systems

Challenges can arise when:

  • Terminology is used inconsistently
  • Concepts mean different things in different jurisdictions
  • Technical findings are translated into legal arguments

Clarus addresses these challenges by studying how digital evidence is described, interpreted, and communicated.

Clarus research explores:

  • How digital forensic terminology is used across Europe
  • Where misunderstandings or inconsistencies occur
  • How bias can influence interpretation of digital evidence
  • How communication between professional groups can be improved

The research brings together experts from digital forensics, law, criminology, and related disciplines.

It also engages with wider stakeholders to understand real-world challenges.

 

Move to the next page by clicking the arrow on the top right to move to the next page in this section.

2. What's Next?

This course draws on Clarus research to:

  • Explain how digital evidence works
  • Highlight challenges in interpretation and communication
  • Encourage critical thinking about digital forensic practice

This is the end of Part 2. From the drop-down menu on the left of the screen, select Module A Part 3.