Demystifying the courtroom experience for computer forensics professionals, equipping attendees with the skills needed to deliver evidence.
Agenda
5.30pm - Waiting room opens
5.45pm - Presentation
6.45pm - Q&A
7.00pm - Event close
Speaker
Richard Stone
Synopsis
In the increasingly complex world of cybercrime cases, the ability to give clear, credible, and effective evidence in court is just as crucial as the technical work behind the scenes.
This session demystifies the courtroom experience for computer forensics professionals, exploring the difference between acting as a witness-of-fact and an expert witness, and equipping attendees with the skills needed to prepare for and deliver their evidence with confidence.
Through practical insights from legal training and real-world examples, the talk aims to empower computer forensic practitioners to communicate their findings with authority, resilience, and professionalism.
Key Learning Points:
- The essential differences between a professional witness-of-fact and an expert witness.
- How to prepare effectively before attending court.
- What to expect from court procedures and the evidence‑giving process.
- Common cross-examination techniques and practical strategies for handling them.
- Top tips for clear, confident, and impartial oral evidence.
- Key pitfalls to avoid when giving evidence.
- Considerations for becoming an expert witness: qualifications, experience, responsibilities, training and benefits.
Speaker biography
Richard Stone, Solicitor Advocate Richard qualified as a solicitor in 1997 and practised as a criminal defence lawyer for the first part of his career. In time, his court work became more focused on prosecuting criminal cases – something which he still does to this day in both the Magistrates’ and Crown Court. During his career, Richard has dealt with most, if not all criminal offences and has regularly cross-examined expert witnesses from all backgrounds including digital and forensic experts and those involved in cybercrime. Richard has been providing professional training for over 20 years on a range of subjects in the criminal and civil legal setting, as well as regulatory law. This has involved working with a lot of expert witnesses and investigators. Richard clients include central government agencies, private sector organisations, local authorities and police forces. Richard is very familiar with the FSR Code and has trained many computer forensic professionals both within the police, regional crime units, central government agencies and the private sector.
Our events are for adults aged 16 years and over.
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This event is brought to you by: BCS Cybercrime Forensics SG , jointly Hampshire and Dorset branches.
