Triage is a rapid, targeted examination that answers a narrow set of high value questions in hours rather than days. It is used to decide whether a full examination is justified, and if so, where the examiner should focus first.
When triage is the right first step
- Multiple devices where only some are likely to matter.
- Urgent applications where an early indication of what is on a device is needed.
- Cases where the client is unsure whether the evidence supports proceedings at all.
What triage produces
A short written note identifying what the device contains that is relevant to the pleaded issues, what depth of examination would be needed to develop the material, and an indicative cost. It is the paper that lets a case be run rationally, rather than on hope.