PROCEDURE FOR SEIZURE OF COMPUTERS AND RELATED DEVICES This search warrant covers and controls the procedure for searching: (1) electronic or computer devices, related equipment or media which has been authorized to be seized pursuant to this warrant on the basis that it is contraband or a direct instrumentality used to commit the crime, and (2) electronic or computer devices, related equipment or media for which seizure has not been specifically authorized. Agents are authorized to seize and remove from the premises such electronic or computer device, including computer system input/output (I/O) peripheral devices, software and media so that a qualified computer expert can accurately search for and retrieve the data in a laboratory or other controlled environment when this is necessary in order to search and retrieve the data or information authorized to be searched for and seized pursuant to this warrant. "Agents and computer experts working with agents are authorized to seize the relevant system software (operating systems, interfaces and hardware drivers), any applications software which may have been used to create the data (whether stored on hard drives or on external media), as well as all related instruction manuals or other documentation and data security devices (including but not limited to passwords, keycards and dongles) in order to facilitate the authorized search. In addition, if necessary for data retrieval, they are authorized to reconfigure the system in order to accurately search for and retrieve the evidence stored therein. If, after inspecting the I/O devices, software, documentation and data security devices, the analyst determines that these items are no longer necessary to search for, retrieve and preserve the data, and if the software, documentation and devices have not been seized pursuant to the warrant as contraband or instrumentalities of the crime, the items shall be returned within a reasonable time." https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:HJ9PtsbdL3kJ:www.fjc.gov/public/pdf.nsf/lookup/ElecDi31.rtf/%24file/ElecDi31.rtf+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us Example of an actual warrant: https://www.eff.org/sites/default/files/filenode/inresearchBC/EXHIBIT-A.pdf Not a lawyer. On Fri, Nov 30, 2012 at 6:25 PM, Randy Bush <randy@psg.com> wrote:
as this thread has moved firmly to legal opinions, i now scan it for postings by folk i know are actual lawyers and whack the rest. if you are a lawyer, but not well known as such, please say so right up front in your message.
randy