The Key

So, say the prosecutors have your encrypted laptop, which is loaded with data that may tend to incriminate you. Can you be compelled to tell the prosecutors the password?

You might think that telling them the password is like testifying against yourself. If it's enough like that, in the U.S., the 5th amendment applies, and you don't need to tell them.

Or you might think that telling them the password is like surrendering a physical key which you have in your possession. If it's enough like that, legal precedent says you have to give it up.

Now it's a hot legal case, in Denver.

Your very best bet
may be to forget.