Question 1
I agree that terminologies become confusing to several individuals in different academic fields such as jurors, judges, lawyers and forensic experts (Nelson et al., 2010). As argued, validity is one of the terminologies where the lawyers would focus on the accusations and argument being presented as evidence while the forensic expert will use validity while focusing on the evidence itself during the collection process. Unallocated, file slack, bit-stream backups and images also have different meanings. This applies to the validation and accuracy of the various conclusions made in legal affairs.
I support that the most effective means of reducing the problem of difference in terminology meanings would be the provision of a common training to the experts and police officers involved in the various legal systems (Casey, 2009). This is because IT support is essential, but measures have to be adopted to ensure that the users of IT can actually perform their work effectively and attain the desired results.
References
Casey, E. (2009). Electronic Discovery. In E. Casey (Ed.), Handbook of digital forensics and
investigation (pp. 63-133). Burlington, MA: Elsevier Academic Press.
Nelson, B., Phillip, A., Enfinger, F., & Steuart, C. (2010). Data acquisition. In Guide to computer
forensics and investigations (4th ed.). (pp. 99-147). Cambridge, MA: Course Technology.
Question 2
I agree that writing a report is the most significant part in forensic evidence gathering process. This is because the report can be filed and produced for future reference as it may be needed. As presented, testifying should come after writing of the report since it acts as the means of providing evidence on the nature or guilty level of an individual towards the crime that has been committed (Casey, 2011). This is because it is the facts that are presented in the court, which ensures that the trial is very successful. This indicates that there is a need of having facts that aids in making of the various probabilities as it may apply in a legal system (Nelson, 2011). I support the argument that writing a report also enables the examiners to present their findings in an effective manner, which is clear, objective based and factual. Nevertheless, testifying should not be out looked, but it should be integrated with written report.
References
Casey, E. (2011). Handling a digital crime scene. In Digital evidence & computer crime:
Forensic science, computers, and the Internet (3rd ed.) (pp. 227-253). London, England: Academic Press.
Nelson, B., Phillips, A., Enfinger, F., & Steuart, C. (2011). Becoming an expert witness and
reporting results of investigations. Guide to computer forensics and investigations. Cambridge, MA: Course Technology.
