The People v. Chris Price

I agree with the majority that the People failed to authenticate the computer printout and its admission was reversible error, entitling defendant to a new trial (majority op at 474). The case presents a novel question as to how a party may authenticate a printout of a digital image found on a social media website.1 However, the majority does not adopt a test to apply in determining that the foundational proof was insufficient. I write to clarify why the People’s authentication proof comes up short.

At defendant’s trial on two counts of armed robbery (Penal Law §§ 160.15 [4]; 160.10 [1]), the…