3. Developing the Lexicon

Building a Lexicon

More than a list of words

Creating a shared vocabulary is not as simple as collecting a list of words.

Researchers had to consider:

• Which terms should be included.

• How definitions should be written.

• Whether different professions use terms differently.

• How concepts translate across languages.

• How terminology changes over time.

Developing the Clarus Lexicon

The Clarus Lexicon was developed through collaboration between researchers, practitioners and subject experts from 6 European countries.

This process helped ensure that the definitions reflected real-world use while supporting consistency and clarity.

Developing a multilingual resource

Developing a multilingual lexicon also required careful consideration of cultural and linguistic differences.

In some cases, there may not be a perfect one-to-one translation between languages. Instead, researchers worked to identify terms and definitions that best captured the underlying concept.

Who Might Use the Lexicon?

A resource for different audiences

The Lexicon has potential value for a wide range of users involved in, affected by, or interested in digital forensic investigations. While it was developed through research with digital forensic and investigative practitioners, its benefits extend beyond those directly working with digital evidence.

These users may include:

• Digital forensic practitioners.

• Police officers and investigators.

• Lawyers.

• Judges.

• Researchers.

• Students.

• Journalists.

• Witnesses.

• Jury members.

• Members of the public.

Practitioners, investigators and legal professionals

Each group may use the Lexicon differently.

A digital forensic practitioner may use it to check how a term is translated in a different country or as a general tool to support consistent communication with colleagues from different organisations.

Investigators may use it to better understand technical concepts discussed during an investigation, while lawyers and judges may use it to help interpret terminology encountered in reports, witness statements, or court proceedings.

Researchers, students and journalists

Researchers and students can use the Lexicon as an educational resource to explore key concepts and understand how terminology is used within digital forensic science.

Journalists may find it useful when reporting on investigations involving digital evidence, helping them communicate complex topics more accurately to wider audiences.

Members of the public

The Lexicon may also be valuable for members of the public.

Digital evidence increasingly plays a role in:

• criminal investigations

• legal proceedings

• public inquiries

• media reporting

As a result, people may encounter unfamiliar terms when following a news story or participating in legal processes.

The Lexicon can help users find clear explanations of these terms and better understand the role digital evidence plays in modern society.

A shared point of reference

Although users may have different needs, they all face a similar challenge: understanding terminology that can be technical, specialised, or interpreted differently by different groups.

By providing a shared point of reference, the Lexicon aims to support clearer communication, reduce misunderstandings, and promote a more consistent understanding of key concepts across professional and public audiences.