Who is the digital forensic expert and what is their expertise?

Given the importance of digital evidence to many inquiries, the services of practitioners in the digital forensic field are often sought. In some cases, a “digital forensic expert witness” may be required to conduct specific investigatory work and provide opinion evidence. Here we explore the concept of a digital forensic expert witness while also considering whether this term may now be potentially misleading to those outside of this domain. A discussion of the challenges that exist when trying to establish and assess the validity of expertise in this field is offered. Suggestions for ways to both evidence and correctly identify relevant expertise are made, taking into account the viewpoints of both the potential expert and client.