Setting up an electronic evidence forensics laboratory

Associate Professor, Computer Forensics & Security, Information Science Dept., Otago School of Business, University of Otago, Corner of Clyde & Union Streets, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand Tel: +64 3 479-8141 Fax: +64 3 479-8311 Email: hwolfe@infoscience. otago.ac.nz In our last column we took a look at being an expert witness and giving forensic evidence testimony. An added word of cautionary advice for private practitioners: CHARGE A LOT for expert testimony! If you are involved in a highprofile case that drags on and on and you must testify as an expert witness repeatedly at the whim and caprice of the various attorneys, it could disrupt your private practice and cause potential loss of current and future earnings. Your current case load could be seriously delayed and your credibility for future work may also be damaged. The previous discussion, by nature, was very general, however each jurisdiction has a formal set of directives and guidelines specifically to assist expert witnesses so you must also refer to these for more details.