What term is used to describe all types of electronic equipment that can be used as evidence in a crime?

The term "digital evidence" refers to any data stored or transmitted in digital form that can be utilized as evidence in a criminal investigation. This encompasses a wide range of electronic equipment, including computers, smartphones, tablets, and other digital devices. Digital evidence is crucial because it can provide insights into criminal activity, communications, and even the motives behind a crime.

Digital evidence is often meticulously analyzed during investigations to extract relevant information such as emails, text messages, images, and other forms of communication that may be pertinent to a case. It is distinct from other forms of evidence. For instance, physical evidence refers to tangible items like weapons or fingerprints, biological evidence pertains to organic materials such as hair or bodily fluids, and documentary evidence includes written documents or records. Each of these types plays a different role in the investigation process, but digital evidence specifically encompasses any electronic or digital data that might be relevant to solving a crime.