This checklist is a practical aid for legal practitioners and professional organisations. Adapt it to the matter and the applicable instructions. It is not a completed instruction or a finding about any evidence.
Question and purpose
- State the precise proposition to be examined and why it matters.
- Identify the observation relied on separately from the inference about a person.
- List significant alternative explanations and assumptions to be tested.
- Specify whether the immediate need is preliminary advice, review, a report, conference or oral evidence.
Material and timing
- Describe the material types, approximate volume and relevant period; do not attach evidence to an initial enquiry.
- Identify existing reports, versions, appendices and whether source acquisitions are available.
- Identify access restrictions, missing material and when the material can be provided.
- Distinguish report deadlines, conferences and hearing dates; obtain confirmation of availability.
Before substantive transfer
- Provide your professional role and organisation; arrange conflict-check information directly.
- Agree scope, deliverables, exclusions, cost and engagement arrangements.
- Identify any applicable expert code, directions and procedural requirements through the instructing practitioner.
- Use the agreed secure transfer channel only after conflict checking and engagement.
Further guidance
Read How to instruct a digital forensic expert, Fees & engagement and the forensic questions hub. Contact the laboratory with a concise, non-sensitive enquiry.