Too little known effort that explains the essence of forensics testimony

This is an under-appreciated book. I've met only one person in my area (computer forensics) who had heard of it. Of all the lawyers, judges and other forensics experts I've mentioned it to, none had ever heard of it - which is a pity. This book attempts to explain what an expert technical witness does and how they should be employed.

The lay public, in general, has a distorted view of the value of forensic data and how it is used. While the general press is loaded with stories of DNA, the more mundane aspects of forensics deal with things like why a metal support may have failed or, in my area, determining if certain data existed in a computer storage device. Billions of dollars can be at risk when a technical expert witness testifies - and all too often, the witness, the lawyers, the judge and (if there is one) the jury are clueless to some extent.

This book tries to educate the technical expert witness as to their responsibilities to the court. Most expert witnesses I've encountered don't have a clue as to the judicial rules they operate under: this book, much to its credit, explains the basics.

"A Guide To Forensic Testimony" does have it weaknesses. It tries to cover too much territory, I think, such as "non-verbal communication". While telling someone not to pick their nose while testifying is important, this kind of book may not be the appropriate place. (The example, by the way, doesn't appear in the book, but the suggestions offered are just as elementary.)

On the whole, this is an interesting, helpful book which every technical expert who may be called upon to testify would benefit from reading. Be prepared, however, for a slow read. The authors' writing style is a bit pedantic.

Jerry

Other Reviews

• What a deal!
• Too little known effort that explains the essence of forensics testimony
• Great for imaging forensics too!
• Great Information For Criminal and Civil Case Forensics
• Leads through a legal minefield