Encryption defense attorney fights DOJ demands (Q&A) JULY 12, 2011 11:38 PM PDT – by Declan McCullagh, CNET News The U.S. Department of Justice is determined to make sure that a case in Colorado will set a legal precedent allowing it to force Americans accused of crimes to decrypt their computers’ hard drives. Phil Dubois is equally determined not to let that happen. The Colorado Springs-based attorney is representing Ramona Fricosu, accused of a mortgage scam, who is refusing to divulge the passphrase to an encrypted laptop found in her bedroom. Dubois, who specializes in criminal defense and Internet law, says requiring Fricosu to decrypt the hard drive would be a clear violation of his client’s Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. The case is currently before U.S. District Judge Robert Blackburn, and Dubois says if he loses, he’ll appeal. Full Story: http://news.cnet.com/8301-31921_3-20078993-281/encryption-defense-attorney-fights-doj-demands-q-a/