It has been nearly 20 years since the publication of Unto the Third Generation—approximately half-way through the first of three 40-year plans proposed by that article. This paper reviews the recommendations of Unto the Third Generation, details the significant reforms the article inspired, and also discusses where the article fell short and needs revision. Most importantly, it discusses whether or not Unto the Third Generation has contributed to a reduction of child abuse in the United States or has at least set a foundation which can achieve the ultimate goal. Read here.

Authors: Victor Vieth, Theodore P. Cross, Robert Peters, Rachel Johnson, Tyler Counsil, Rita Farrell, Betsy Goulet, and Karla Steckler Tye

Publisher: Journal of Child Sexual Abuse

Date: June 12, 2024

Explores the nuanced techniques necessary for cross-examination in child abuse cases. The guide provides 22 techniques split into four categories ranging from fundamental to advanced tactics. Each technique includes sample lines of questioning for easy adaptation by frontline prosecutors. Read here.

Authors: Robert J. Peters & Christa Miller

Publisher: Zero Abuse Project, as part of the Trauma-Informed Prosecutor Project (TiPP)

Date: March 16, 2023

A practical companion to ZAP's treatise on Child Statement and Forensic Interview Admissibility. The publication synthesizes case law, state statutes, and hearsay exceptions, into 11 basic strategies for prosecutors to admit forensic interviews and child statements into evidence. Read here.

Authors: Robert J. Peters & Christa Miller

Publisher: Zero Abuse Project, as part of the Trauma-Informed Prosecutor Project (TiPP)

Date: March 16, 2023

As court cases increasingly involve the use of digital evidence, the demand for experts who can evaluate how that evidence was collected and analyzed—and then explain that process to the court— has also grown. This article provides attorneys with a baseline understanding to help them better assess potential digital forensic experts. Read here.

Authors: Christa Miller, Brandon Epstein, Joseph D. Remy, & Robert J. Peters

Publisher: Zero Abuse Project, as part of the Trauma-Informed Prosecutor Project (TiPP)

Date: December 20, 2022

Provides 8 introductory considerations for prosecutors, and addresses the complexity and challenges faced when working cases involving remotely stored and encrypted data. It also explores investigative procedures and legal process best practices when obtaining electronic evidence. Read here.

Authors: Robert J. Peters, Christa Miller, Joseph D. Remy & Kathleen Nolan

Publisher: Zero Abuse Project, as part of the Trauma-Informed Prosecutor Project (TiPP)

Date: June 2, 2022

Provides 7 advanced strategies for prosecutors, as well as guidance for dealing with cloud providers and other stakeholders. Zero Abuse Project developed this article to serve as a reference for prosecutors and investigators facing challenges when working cases involving remotely stored data. Read here.

Authors: Robert J. Peters, Christa Miller, Joseph D. Remy & Kathleen Nolan

Publisher: Zero Abuse Project, as part of the Trauma-Informed Prosecutor Project (TiPP)

Date: June 2, 2022

Prosecutors handling cases involving children with disabilities must be prepared to serve and advocate for individual child victims’ unique physical, cognitive, and/or emotional needs. This guide will address each of these components of the prosecution, and conclude with sample motions to implement recommendations. Read here.

Authors: ZAP staff and externs, including Robert Peters

Publisher: Zero Abuse Project, as part of the Trauma-Informed Prosecutor Project (TiPP)

Date: April 18, 2022

Offers factors to consider when forensic interviewers and child abuse multidisciplinary team (MDT) members are preparing the forensic interview and MDT process for children with disabilities. Read here.

Authors: ZAP staff and externs, including Robert Peters

Publisher: Zero Abuse Project, as part of the Trauma-Informed Prosecutor Project (TiPP)

Date: April 18, 2022

Even though signed search warrants are legally binding court orders, Big Tech still may not comply. This guide acknowledges common privacy concerns that make data more difficult for the government to obtain, and lays out six strategies for prosecutors confronting objections from electronic service providers. Read here.

Authors: Joseph Remy, Katherine Hansen, Abigail Abraham, Robert Peters & Christa Miller

Publisher: Zero Abuse Project, as part of the Trauma-Informed Prosecutor Project (TiPP)

Date: March 24, 2022

Seeking to introduce a forensic interview is not an ancillary matter in child abuse prosecution. In many cases, it is the most critical, persuasive piece of evidence for the jury’s consideration. This guide will equip entry level prosecutors with an understanding of relevant admissibility law in their jurisdiction, and encourage seasoned prosecutors to take a fresh look at the several viable options for forensic interview admissibility. Read here.

Authors: Robert J. Peters, et. al., in partnership with NDAA & National Children’s Alliance

Publisher: Zero Abuse Project, as part of the Trauma-Informed Prosecutor Project (TiPP)

Date: February 7, 2022

Offers a comprehensive guide for prosecutors and law enforcement on navigating the complexities of obtaining remotely stored data, both domestically and internationally. This article provides an overview of relevant laws, including the Stored Communications Act and the CLOUD Act, and offers practical guidance on obtaining and using digital evidence in criminal investigations. Read here.

Authors: Robert J. Peters, Alicia D. Loy, Matthew Osteen, Joseph Remy & Justin Fitzsimmons

Publisher: Mitchell Hamline Law Review

Date: 2021

Discusses the challenges of introducing digital evidence, the importance of due diligence, and the ongoing debate about encryption. The article also touches on finding qualified digital forensics experts and the legal issues surrounding geofence warrants and border searches. Read here.

Authors: Christa Miller (with insight from J.D. Ronan, Robert J. Peters, Matthew Osteen & Alicia Loy)

Publisher: Forensic Focus

Date: September 28, 2020

Discusses the challenges faced by digital forensics professionals due to the increasing volume and variety of digital evidence. This article explores the legal complexities surrounding digital evidence, including privacy concerns and the admissibility of screenshots and incomplete data. Read here.

Authors: Christa Miller with J.D. Ronan, Robert J. Peters, Matthew Osteen, Alicia D. Loy, Brandon Epstein & Joseph Pochrom

Publisher: Medium (Forensic Horizons)

Date: September 15, 2020

Discusses how child abuse was increasing during the COVID-19 pandemic because children have less contact with mandated reporters. The article also details seven ways to help prevent child abuse. Read here.

Authors: Robert Peters

Publisher: Think Kids

Date: August 2020

Considers search, seizure, and punishment implications for the 4th and 8th Amendments, as well as the right-to-counsel clause of the 6th Amendment. Read here.

Authors: Christa Miller, Robert J. Peters, Matthew Osteen, J.D. Ronan & Brandon Epstein

Publisher: Medium (Forensic Horizons)

Date: May 15, 2020

Focuses on the 6th and 14th Amendments regarding chain of custody, authentication, discovery, the right to a speedy trial, and due-process concerns. Read here.

Authors: Christa Miller, Robert J. Peters, Matthew Osteen, J.D. Ronan & Brandon Epstein

Publisher: Medium (Forensic Horizons)

Date: May 15, 2020

Many child protection professionals believe child abuse is likely to increase during the COVID-19 pandemic because most abusers are parents or siblings who now have more complete access to the child victim. Read here.

Authors: Victor I. Vieth, Robert J. Peters, Tyler Counsil, Rita Farrell, Rachel Johnson Stacie Leblanc, Alison Feigh, Jane Straub & Pete Singer

Publisher: Zero Abuse Project

Date: April 6, 2020

Addresses new challenges in protecting the law enforcement community during the COVID-19. This guide includes key recommendations for all law enforcement personnel, investigators, lab technicians, and executives. Read here.

Authors: J.D. Ronan, Robert J. Peters, Brandon Epstein, Lt. Col. James Emerson, USMC (Ret.) & Christa Miller

Publisher: NW3C & International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)

Date: April 2020

A chapter in the Handbook of Interpersonal Violence Across the Lifespan, a comprehensive state-of-the-science reference work for researchers, practitioners, and policy makers. This two-volume handbook is written from a trauma-informed perspective, and utilizes adverse childhood experiences research as its basic developmental framework along with the traumatic effects all forms of interpersonal violence tend to produce. Read here.

Authors: Robert J. Peters

Publisher: National Partnership to End Interpersonal Violence Across the Lifespan (NPEIV)

Date: February 2020

A quarterly roundup of the latest legal developments around digital forensic evidence. This article covers U.S. case law regarding technology when it comes to search and seizure, along with the “reasonable suspicion” standard when it comes to border searches. Read here.

Authors: Christa Miller with contributions from Robert Peters at NW3C

Publisher: Forensic Focus

Date: December 20, 2019

Explores the use of private military and security companies (PMSCs) in humanitarian interventions. The article analyzes the use of PMSCs in situations where political inaction prevents state-led interventions, and it examines the legal and ethical implications of such an approach through the lens of Just War Theory. Read here.

Authors: Robert J. Peters

Publisher: Florida Journal of International Law

Date: January 2016

Discusses the limited legal remedies available to foreign victims of corporate human rights abuses in U.S. courts after the Supreme Court's decision in Kiobel v. Royal Dutch Petroleum Co. The article explores alternative avenues for seeking redress, including the Alien Tort Statute and potential legislative reforms. Read here.

Authors: Edna Chinyele Udobong with research assistance from Robert Peters

Publisher: Liberty University Law Review

Date: January 2016

Discusses the endemic nature of sexual abuse among Protestant congregations. The article also highlights how the church's silence and/or support of offenders affects survivors. Read here.

Authors: Robert J. Peters

Publisher: Christian Ethics Today

Date: August 2014

In late August, 2013, USA Swimming contracted with the National Child Protection Training Center, a program of Gundersen Health System, to conduct an independent assessment of USA Swimming’s Safe Sport program. Robert assisted with legal research, including an analysis of emotional abuse and mandated reporting statutes. Read here.

Authors: Victor Vieth, et al.

Publisher: Gundersen National Child Protection Training Center

Date: January 27, 2014