Criminal Law Newsletters

Cellmate Informants

There are many different types of informants; one of the types of informant includes a cellmate informant. A cellmate informant is an informant that is incarcerated at the same time as a suspect and becomes friendly with the suspect in order to obtain information pertaining to the suspect's criminal activity.

Computer Fraud and Financial Institutions

With the prevalence and necessity of computers, computer fraud in financial institutions appears to be a frequently prosecuted offense. Employees, directors, and agents of financial institutions have access to their customers' information on a daily basis and at their fingertips. It is quite simple, for example, for an employee to delete unfavorable information of a client and add favorable information to the client's file. In the example above, the client may be able to obtain credit approval for certain items that he otherwise would not qualify for.

Best Evidence Rule

The Best Evidence Rule is also commonly referred to as the original document rule. The Best Evidence Rule requires that the proponent seeking the admission of evidence show the documentary evidence is the original version. The Best Evidence Rule applies when the terms of the writing are material and at issue. The Best Evidence Rule also applies when a witness testifies as to a fact resulting from having read it in the document sought to be admitted by the proponent.

WITNESS TAMPERING

A person commits the offense of witness tampering if he or she offers, confers, or agrees to confer any benefit on a witness or a prospective witness in a judicial or an administrative proceeding.

Criminal Violations of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977

The Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (MSHA) provides for enforcement of by way of civil penalties, criminal penalties, or administrative enforcement methods. MSHA was enacted to protect mining workers. When a violation of the MSHA is claimed, an investigation is conducted regarding the allegations of the violation. If a criminal division determines that a case referred to it warrants prosecution, the case will be referred to the office of the United States Attorney.