Date

7-22-2025

Department

Helms School of Government

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice (PhD)

Chair

Jared Perry

Keywords

Digital Attribution, Criminological Control Theory, Digital-Ledger Technology, Digital Forensics

Disciplines

Computer Sciences | Sociology

Abstract

The purpose of this descriptive qualitative applied study is to define and explain through analysis the reasonable person standard as it relates to prosecution and sentencing computer crime cases involving digital identities while addressing the problem of digital anonymity. This has been done by analyzing computer crime cases with the advent of current and planned technologies, and surveying potential jurors to understand the current state of knowledge of digital attribution. This descriptive qualitative research method analyzed the problem through the use of criminological theories of control and social learning theory to better understand the reasonable person standard in computer crime sentencing for application at all levels of law enforcement and homeland security investigations, prosecutions and cybersecurity. This research study is designed to develop a basic understanding of the current factors a reasonable person considers when discussing the topic of digital attribution. The primary goal of this descriptive study was to develop a better rubric of identity factors to inform all elements of the criminal justice community and identify solutions to enhance the investigation, jury selection, and prosecution of cases involving attribution in computer related criminal cases. The focused descriptive qualitative research study and resultant analysis will consist of surveying the American public as the reasonable person and will result in a baseline set of identity factors for the new reasonable person standard for digital attribution as well as identify areas for future research and study.

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