https://test-english.com/grammar-points/c1/advanced-participle-clauses/2/  

https://en.islcollective.com/english-esl-video-lessons/speaking-practice/discussion/history/ted-ed-what-really-happened-during-the-salem-witch-trials/1296854

The Case of the Missing Prototype

Text: Last spring, Apex Tech filed a lawsuit against former employee Julian Vance, accusing him of stealing a top-secret smartphone prototype right before leaving the company to join a rival firm. According to the prosecution, Vance downloaded confidential files and snuck the physical prototype out in his briefcase. He was formally charged with corporate espionage and breach of contract.

During the trial, the prosecution presented key evidence, including security footage that showed Vance entering the research lab late at night. They also called an expert witness to testify about the digital trail Vance left behind on the company server.

However, Vance’s defense attorney argued that his client was innocent until proven guilty. She claimed that Vance had working authorization to be in the lab late at night and argued that the server logs were unreliable. Vance pleaded not guilty to all charges.

After two days of deliberation, the jury returned a verdict of "not guilty" due to a lack of conclusive physical evidence. Although Vance was acquitted, the judge issued a stern warning about confidentiality, and the company stated they plan to appeal the decision.

 

Evidence Evaluation: Do you think security footage alone is enough to convict someone of theft, or is digital evidence necessary? Why?

Legal Principles: The text mentions that a person is "innocent until proven guilty." Why is this principle crucial in modern legal systems?

Corporate Responsibility: If you were on the jury, would you have acquitted Julian Vance based on the facts provided? What additional evidence would you have required?