Defending IEEE Software Standards in Federal Criminal Court

TL;DR

This paper discusses the importance of IEEE's 1012 IV&V standard in the U.S. legal system and emphasizes the need for technical experts to advocate for its proper understanding and application in criminal courts.

Contribution

It highlights the critical role of IEEE standards in legal contexts and advocates for increased engagement by scientists and engineers to uphold reliable scientific evidence.

Findings

IEEE 1012 IV&V standard is under legal challenge

Engagement of technical experts is essential for standard recognition

Proper understanding of standards can improve legal outcomes

Abstract

IEEE's 1012 Standard for independent software and hardware verification and validation (IV&V) is under attack in U.S. federal criminal court. As software spreads through the criminal legal system, scientists, engineers, and IEEE have an essential role in ensuring courts understand and respect IEEE 1012 and IV&V. If scientists, engineers, and IEEE do not engage, courts will continue to allow unreliable scientific evidence to deprive people of their life and liberty.