Report Writing for High-Tech Investigations

Forensic Report

It presents evidence that might support further investigation and, in some situations, be admissible in court, at an administrative hearing, or as an affidavit to support issuing an arrest or a search warrant.

justification

A report can also provide ____ for collecting more evidence and be used at a probable cause hearing, as evidence in a grand jury hearing, or at a motion hearing in civil or criminal cases.

Deposition Banks

Store examples of expert witnesses’ previous testimony.

Examination Plan

A document that serves as a guideline for knowing what questions to expect when you’re testifying.

Verbal Report

A less structured than a written report. It takes place in an attorney’s office, where the attorney requests the consultant’s report.

Written Report

Usually an affidavit or declaration. This type of report is sworn under oath, it demands attention to detail, carefully limiting what you write, and thorough documentation and support of what you write.

Discovery

The process of opposing attorneys seeking information from each other.

high-risk document

A written preliminary report, such as one created in a software tool before all the data analysis is complete, is considered a ______ because opposing counsel can demand discovery on it.

discredit

If the written preliminary report states a contrary or more equivocal position than you take in your final report or testimony, you should expect opposing counsel to try to _____ your testimony by using the written report.

opposing attorney

Remember that anything you write down as part of your examination for a report in a civil litigation case is subject to discovery from the _____, meaning what you write can or will be given to the opposing attorney.