Introduction
The forensics report is generated after all the evidence has been carefully collected. The reporting of any finding during the forensic study is crucial to the client or to the persons who will use such information. Therefore, certain guidelines must be noted to ensure that persons who interpret the report do so with ease and with minimal swaying from the intended meaning. The case should be structured such that all the necessary details can be found within the report. The person who writes the report ought to ensure that it is precise such that if one is called to testify concerning the report in the future, one will be easily able to recall the facts of the case.
Development and Organization the Forensics Report
The forensic report should start with a brief description of the case and the role of the whole investigation process. This then followed by a short description of the tools used in the collecting and analysis of the evidence found during a forensics process. Subsequently, it is crucial to mention in brief and precise details the techniques and procedures used in the forensics process. By doing so, the forensics expert sets stage for users of the information in the report to determine its validity. The report also comprises of a section that covers the results, either in terms of pictorial representations, or in terms of findings from laboratory examination of evidence. This is linked to the section on the analysis of the evidence and the methodologies used. Here, the analyst must explain why he preferred the use of certain techniques to others. A brief summary of the whole analysis process, comprising of the findings and recommendations, is usually the last part of the forensics report (Skalak et.al, 2011).
Guidelines to Follow when Testifying
Prior to testifying in any court of law concerning the evidence from a forensics study, it is crucial for a forensic expert to spare some time to discuss with an attorney. Communication to the court in the right language and words is crucial if such evidence is to be deemed as credible in a court of law. When testifying, the analysts must only present the facts of the case they are and try not to be biased towards any side. Emotional tendencies must be avoided especially when facing the opposing counsel (Wall, 2009). An overview of all the findings helps the court to understand the role of the analysis in the case. Description of the methodologies used in a manner that is easy to follow is also necessary. Some words that ought to be avoided while testifying include ‘suspicious’ as opposed to ‘concerned’. When giving descriptions of quantity, one ought to avoid the use of generalizing words such as ‘large’ and ’long’. Instead, words that show precise measurements are preferable since they convey a more reliable description of the statistics. Furthermore, a balance must be struck between the technical and nonprofessional language depending on the education level of the jury. This would require a prior analysis of the composition of the jury (Bowers, 2014).
Conclusion
The delivery of the forensic report before the court is just as important as its construction. The response to questions from the opposing counsel may be a way of analyzing if the report is unbiased and hence determine its validity. forensics experts should appreciate the importance of presenting a good forensics report and maintaining the highest level of expertise in the exhibition of their work. However, how they deliver it to the jury could make or break the admissibility of the forensics findings.
References
Skalak, S. L., Golden, T. W., Clayton, M. M., & Pill, J. S. (2011). A Guide to Forensic
Accounting Investigation. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons.
Wall, W. J. (2009). Forensic science in court: The role of the expert witness. Chichester, West
Sussex, U.K: Wiley-Blackwell.
Bowers, C. M. (2014). Forensic testimony: Science, law and expert evidence.
