Guide to Forensic Testimony, A

Today technologists need expert witness skills. In addition to understanding the technologies that may be at issue in a given case, an effective expert witness must have an understanding of the legal system, specific courtroom communication skills, skills for enduring cross-examination and preparing for legal testimony. When new technologies are introduced, litigation about the technology and its uses is quick to follow. There are new forms of legal claims for everything from damages for the failures of enterprise networks to new uses of surveillance and the authenticity of digital evidence. Over 90 percent of all information is now created and stored in computers. Technical experts routinely come into play in investigations where evidence is suspected or where computer system behavior is relevant to the case. IT professionals, system administrators, and security consultants are increasingly being brought into the legal world, and they need to prepared.