Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Understanding the Need For an Expert Witness

The information that is offered by one is much difference than the information offered by the other.The factual witness The factual witness is an individual who knows facts about the case. For example, someone may be a witness to a murder, so they know facts about the case. They saw things and they know things that no one else has seen or knows. They have to give this information to those inthe courtroom in order to be admitted as a type of evidence for the case.
What they do is they take an oath to tell the whole truth about what they know. They then give
this information. It is the lawyer or prosecutor's job to find discrepancies in the witness's
statement. If they do, that can indicate that the individual is lying or they just need help clarifying some things. Once things are clarified and the jury has a clear picture of that witness, they are able to have more data to help the make an informed decision about the case.

The expert witness

The expert witness is a completely different entity. For example, the expert witness will be a
doctor, a scientist, or someone who is a professional. They are an expert in a particular field.
And there is no limit to the number of fields that individuals can be experts in when it comes to
expert witnesses. Even a Botanist may be called to the stand if a certain kind of flower was
found at the crime scene.

Murder trials and other crimes committed against another human being are frequently cases
where an expert witness is needed. Perhaps the coroner needs to testify about an autopsy.
They'll talk about what it is that led them to come to the cause of death conclusion. An expert
witness may also give their expert opinion about something, such as something being possible
or not. Forensic scientists and even dentists can be called up to the stand regarding crime
scene evidence and such things as dental records.

The importance of the witnessEither way, these are very important witnesses. In a trial, it is important that all of the possibilities, impossibilities, evidence, eyewitnesses, and expert witnesses are laid out in front of the jury. This is important to ensure that someone who is innocent is not sent to prison for a crime that they didn't do. The opposite is true as well. Not having sufficient evidence or witnesses can result in a guilty individual being let go, which means they could commit the crime again.

So if you are an expert in a particular field, you could become an expert witness. You never
know when your expertise is needed. And if you find that you have been witness to a crime, you
may be called to the witness stand to go over what you have seen or heard. All of this
information is very important in order for the jury to establish innocence or guilt. This can make a huge difference in many lives and a difference in the world. When the guilty party is put away,
the world is a safer place.
Find more info on how to get an - L clipboardForensic Accounting or an expert opinion from a certified Forensic Accounting toxicologist or visit Aquinaught Legal Services blog for more interesting articles.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Tips For Forensic Accounting

Forensic accountants are specially trained to apply the knowledge in auditing, accounting and finance as well as utilizing the investigative skills to uncover the truth in illegal financial activities, assist in investigating potential crimes and form legal opinions.

Here are some tips and advice on forensic accounting for those who are interested to get involved:

1. Avoid yourself from getting involved in any scandal by improving your internal controls

In today business world, there are many business owners who allocate budget to hire forensic accountants to assist them in analyzing their existing business practices and processes, making recommendations for improvement, helping them to minimize fraudulent activities in the company. As a result, as a forensic accountant, you must always provide your service in a professional and effective manner.

2. Equip yourself with good public speaking skill and effective presentation skill

A forensic accountant sometimes needs to provide assistance in legal proceeding, including testifying in court as an expert witness. Therefore, a forensic accountant must have good public speaking skills and they must have full exposure in doing presentation.

3. Always find opportunities to upgrade yourself with necessary skills and knowledge

Forensic accountants should always upgrade themselves by attending extra academic courses, trainings, seminars and forums in the related field to make themselves more marketable in this specific field.

4. Forensic accountants have to possess multiple skills by combining the skills required as professional record keeper, a paralegal and an investigator.

Forensic accounting requires one to possess the ability to interpret facts, analyze data, think logically and he or she must have the sensitivity of figures. A capable forensic accountant must possess the personal characteristics as follows - calm, curious, persistent, organized, confident, creative, fair, strict, determined, and so on and so forth.