When are emoji proof of criminal activity? In one recent bay area case, prosecutors said emoji of a bag of money and high heels were communication from a pimp to a prostitute. The defendant said he was just trying to strike up a romantic relationship. Judges and prosecutors are having to interpret the meaning of those little symbols that we use in text messages that are showing up in criminal cases.From murder to robbery to sex cases, between 2004 and 2019, emoji references appeared in 30% of US court opinions. Santa Clara University Law Professor Eric Goldman told "The Verge" that emoji can serve as evidence suggesting a defendants state of mind and the increased use of emoji will become a larger issue for courts to contend with.
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