How To Best Prepare for Working with a Trial Demonstrative Studio

The hallmark of a gripping television courtroom drama usually involves a clever lawyer cornering a deceptive witness on the stand and getting them to admit to a crime. While that makes for good TV, it is not always how trials in the real world work. Instead, it takes skilled attorneys who present a strong case backed by tangible evidence that convinces the jury of the case’s merits.

Courtroom evidence falls into two basic categories: actual evidence, such as original documents or other forensics, and demonstrative evidence, which includes graphs, charts, diagrams, and animation clips created to convey important details.

Demonstrative evidence helps enhance a juror’s comprehension of the incident that is at the heart of the trial. It also boosts their retention of the information. In other words, back in the deliberation room, the jury will remember something they see in court more than they would with something they merely hear.

Advocacy Digital Media is a team of talented graphic artists and researchers who create compelling demonstrative evidence for any type of trial. Suppose you recognize the value of courtroom animations and other forms of visuals. In that case, you’ll want to maximize the benefits by preparing to work with a trial demonstration studio like Advocacy Digital Media.

Demonstrative Evidence Options

The first step in your preparation is to determine which of the following types of demonstrative evidence:

• Medical Animations, Diagrams, and Graphics
• Right-way, Wrong-way Animations
• Mechanism of Injury Visuals
• Product Failure Animations
• Accident Reconstruction
• Timelines
• Legal Graphics

Sharing Information

After deciding which type of demonstrative evidence you want to incorporate in your trial, you need to gather all the relevant information and documentation to present to the graphics team. That information will form the basis for creating the various animations and graphics. You can include the following:

• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Surveillance videos
• Maps
• Medical reports
• Expert testimony

Think of your documentation as the “script” that the graphics team will use to make the “movie” of your evidence. Throughout the process, you’ll be able to share any new documentation that would be relevant to the evidence recreation. The graphics team will stay in constant contact with your office to ensure they understand all the parameters and details of the evidence.

Getting Evidence Approve for Trial

In 1975, Congress expanded and defined what is allowed as evidence in a courtroom. Although this legislation predates the use of 3D models and diagrams, that type of demonstrative evidence has been widely accepted in courtrooms nationwide.

Before evidence can be submitted at trial, the judge must rule it admissible. That means sharing the graphics, diagrams, and any other interactive presentations with the judge who will decide whether they are admissible.

You will also know what the other side is presenting as part of their evidence. That allows you to make adjustments to your evidence to present counterarguments.

Tips for Using Demonstrative Evidence in Court

Introducing demonstrative evidence can positively disrupt the flow of your presentation. It will help you engage with the jury, but it needs to be presented with the right approach. Here are some tips for presenting your demonstrative evidence.

Show the Supporting Evidence

The animations and graphics you’ll present to the jury will always be based on some type of documentary evidence. You’ll want to introduce both, starting with the documentation. This will tell the jury that you’re not just making wild conjectures. The animations bring the documents to life in a compelling manner.

Use Media Strategically

Your demonstrative media needs to be used strategically in conjunction with testimony. That testimony can come from a witness or expert who agrees with your presentation’s assertions. The combination of witnesses’ testimony and courtroom presentations can be hard to dispute.

You probably won’t be able to use your demonstrative evidence in your opening statement, but it can become an important part of your closing argument. That is when you can reinforce your salient points and use the evidence to make a lasting impression on the jury.

Prepare for Any Use of Media

You and your team need to put in the time in the courtroom preparing the media. This applies mainly to video presentations. You want to make sure your equipment is hooked up and working as it should. It is also important to consider the positioning of the evidence as it relates to the jury’s perspective. You’ll need to make these arrangements with the clerk to set up your equipment.

Keep it Simple

The purpose of demonstrative evidence is to engage the jury. As with any other evidence, you want to keep your animations and other visuals simple and uncomplicated. It might be helpful to bring in objective viewers outside the jury to test the effectiveness of the presentations. It will be easy to make adjustments and revisions.

It is also essential to start working with Advocacy Digital Media as soon as your trial dates are scheduled. The sooner you lock down your demonstrative evidence, the sooner you can formalize your presentation. We want to help you get the outcome you’re working for.