Intro to Computer Forensics Chapter 16 – Ethics for the Expert Witness

Vocabulary terms covering ethical standards, law, disqualification factors, and professional guidelines for expert witnesses as outlined in Chapter 16 of the Computer Forensics curriculum.

Ethics

Rules of conduct that guide an expert witness and are distinguished from the requirements of the law.

Law

The system of rules that differ from ethical principles in the practice of expert witnessing.

Opinion shopping

A specific term and practice related to the ethical conduct of expert witnesses and those who hire them.

Disqualification

The process or state in which a court or opposing counsel uses specific factors or tactics to prevent a person from serving as an expert witness.

Opposing council tactics

Methods used by the adversary's legal team to attempt to disqualify an expert witness from a case.

Ethical errors

Obvious mistakes or misconduct that an expert witness is responsible for avoiding.

Professional organizations

Groups that provide ethical guidance and standards to individuals serving as expert witnesses.

American Bar Association (ABA)

A professional body that provides specific ethical guidelines relevant to the legal field and expert witnesses.

Inherent conflict

The fundamental tension between the objectives and goals of attorneys versus the goals of an expert witness.

Non-standard forensics tools

Digital investigation tools that possess various pros and cons when utilized by an expert witness in a forensic capacity.

Ethical responsibilities

Obligations that are owed specifically to the expert witness during the course of their work.