What role does an expert witness play in digital forensics?

An expert witness in digital forensics plays a crucial role in a court setting by providing their specialized knowledge and opinions based on the evidence presented. This role involves interpreting complex technical data for judges and juries, who may not possess the requisite background in digital forensics. The expert witness will typically analyze digital evidence, explain findings, and outline the relevance of that evidence in the context of the case. Their testimony helps the court understand the implications of the evidence, which can significantly influence the case's outcome.

The other options describe activities that are not typically within the purview of an expert witness. For instance, conducting all investigations independently suggests a role more aligned with the investigator rather than someone who interprets evidence after it has been gathered. Determining legal outcomes implies a decisional authority that an expert witness does not have—the judiciary makes rulings based on all presented evidence and arguments. Finally, handling the collection of digital evidence is primarily the responsibility of digital forensic investigators, not expert witnesses who focus on providing insight into the evidence after its collection.