Reasoning about evidence using Bayesian networks

Abstract

This paper presents methods for analyzing the topology of a Bayesian belief network created to qualify and quantify the strengths of investigative hypotheses and their supporting digital evidence. The methods, which enable investigators to systematically establish, demonstrate and challenge a Bayesian belief network, help provide a powerful framework for reasoning about digital evidence. The methods are applied to review a Bayesian belief network constructed for a criminal case involving BitTorrent file sharing, and explain the causal effects underlying the legal arguments. © 2012 IFIP International Federation for Information Processing.