Clients should be aware that linguistic fingerprinting does not yet exist, and authorship cannot be attributed 100% to any individual.
QED will undertake an initial assessment of the material and will provide an opinion whether it is suitable for analysis according to the requirements of the client, together with an estimate of the time and approximate cost.
On agreement with the client, QED will provide the following services:
QED will undertake analysis of the material as agree with the client. Upon completion of the analysis, QED will provide the client with a short report via email containing (where applicable) its observations, the most important linguistic markers, and an opinion.
QED will undertake analysis of the material as agree with the client. Upon completion of the analysis, QED will provide a written report containing its observations, important linguistic markers and a short description of their function, and an opinion.
QED will undertake analysis of the material as agree with the client. Upon completion of the analysis, QED will provide a formal written report containing its observations, important linguistic markers and a description of their function, and an opinion, suitable for submission as evidence to a court of law.
Unless the client requests a formal written Report for Court, QED reports are to be used on an Advise Only basis, and not For Service.
QED may not express any opinions regarding the guilt or innocence of any individual or party. Any opinions provided by QED are subject to the limitations described below:
QED may only express an opinion as to the similarity, consistency, and/or distinctiveness of linguistic features between documents in assessing linguistic style. Clients should be aware that linguistic fingerprinting does not yet exist, and authorship cannot be attributed 100% to any individual. Authorship analysis involves the comparison of linguistic styles, and it is possible that two or more different persons somewhere in the world will share the same style.
While QED may make inferences regarding an individual based on linguistic features identified in documents, conclusions may be correct or incorrect, or correct to within a certain degree of accuracy. Language is flexible and individuals will use features characteristic of a certain age or socio-linguistic group, or gender, to a greater or lesser extent. Inferences are provided for general guidance only.
QED may only express an opinion as to the presence or absence of deceptive linguistic strategies in use in a particular document on the basis of linguistic features identified. QED is unable to confirm that deception exists or does not exist in any written statement.
The client will at its own expense supply QED with all necessary documents or other material, and all necessary data or other information relating to the service within sufficient time to enable QED to provide analysis in accordance with the agreement between the client and QED.
The nature of linguistic analysis makes it difficult to estimate precisely how long documents may take to analyse. QED recognises that most cases are considered urgent and will endeavour to deal with them quickly and efficiently as possible. However, analysis may take longer than anticipated and QED will not compromise the quality of its analysis to meet agreed deadlines. As soon as it becomes clear to QED that an agreed deadline cannot be met, QED will inform the client accordingly and agree a new deadline. QED will have no liability to the client for any loss, damage, expenses or claims for compensation arising from any delay to the completion of agreed services by QED.
The property and any copyright or other intellectual property rights in any material provided by the client to QED will belong to the client. The client is responsible for ensuring that that they are legally entitled to obtain and use any material provided to QED.
Unless otherwise agreed in writing between the client and QED, any reports or information contained in communication issued by QED will belong to QED, subject only to the right of the client to use the information for the purposes of utilising QED’s services. The client agrees to indemnify QED against all claims, losses and damages suffered by QED as a result of any material provided to QED which the client did not lawfully obtain or posses.
QED charges are normally based on hourly and daily rates. In suitable cases, QED will quote on a project basis.
Subject to any special terms agreed, the client will pay the costs which are agreed between QED and the client for the provision of services, which in QED’s sole discretion, is required as a result of the client’s instructions or lack of instructions, or any other cause attributable to the client. QED will be entitled to invoice the client following the end of each month in which the services are provided, or at other times agreed with the client. The client will pay QED’s charges, other costs and expenses, and any additional sums payable within 30 days of the date of QED’s invoice.
QED Limited is an Alderney (Bailiwick of Guernsey) registered company.
Registration No: 1381. © 2014 QED Limited.
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