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Types
of Demonstrative Evidence
The following are
examples of demonstrative evidence we created for our
clients’ cases.
At Cheong,
Denove, Rowell & Bennett we believe the more
the jury sees, the better they understand.
Accident
Reconstruction Boards
Expert testimony can be
confusing. To clarify the technical testimony, boards that
visually explain the expert’s opinions are often useful. On
occasion, multiple boards are used to explain different aspects
of the accident or the accident avoidance sequence.
Click here to see an example of an Accident Reconstruction Board
Celebration of Life Videos
When someone dies, he or she leaves behind loved ones who
continue to suffer a loss. To enable the jury to understand who
the decedent was and how much he or she meant to the family left
behind, that person’s story must be told. To assist the jury in
getting to know the decedent, photographs, letters, cards and
home videos can be collected, edited and videotaped to show the
jury.
Closing Argument Boards
After the
evidence has been presented to the jury, the attorney has the
right to give closing argument. Some trials are over in days,
while others may go on for months
Using boards to illustrate the points the attorney is making
during closing will help the jury understand the points.
Click here to see examples of Closing Argument Boards
Computer Animation
If one picture is worth a thousand words, a computer
animation can tell the entire story. Computer animations can
allow the jury to see the accident through the eyes of the
plaintiff, the defendant or a third person.
Click here to see an example of a Computer Animation
 Day in
The Life Video
Although people can intellectually understand the effects of
crippling injuries, a day in the life video can allow
the jury to see what a person with those injuries has to
endure 24 hours a day. Activities of daily living that
we take for granted can be a struggle for someone with
catastrophic injury. The jury needs to understand the
full extent of the plaintiff’s injuries in order to
award the compensation the plaintiff deserves.
Enlargements
In any case, even those with thousands of exhibits, there may be
three or four documents that are the key to success. In these
few documents, the crucial information may be limited to a few
words or sentences. Highlighting and enlarging these points will
allow the jury to concentrate on what is important.
Click here to see examples of Enlargements
Excerpts
A
document or a deposition or trial transcript may contain too
much information. Taking excerpts from lengthy documents and
displaying that to the jury will help them focus on the
important information.
Click here to see examples of Excerpts
Graphs and Charts
Graphs and charts can assist the jury in making sense out of
testimony or voluminous documents. Graphs can often tell the
story much better than the most eloquent speaker. Charts can
also help the jury focus on the important issues in a case.
Click here to see examples of Graphs and Charts
Jury Instructions
At the end of the trial the Judge will read a number of
instructions to the jury. It can take as little as 15 minutes or
as much as an hour for the Judge to read to the jury the law
they must follow. Enlarging the important Jury Instructions and
using them during Closing Argument is an effective way to
demonstrate why the jury should vote in favor of the client.
Click here to see an example of a Jury Instruction that was
enlarged for a jury trial
Marking Pen and Butcher
Paper
Sometimes less is more. A simple
line drawing can explain what happened. A simple word written on
the board can often sum up the motive behind a defendant’s
action.
Click here to see an example of Marking Pen on Butcher Paper
Mechanism of Injury
Animation
Sometimes
using a still illustration does not fully express how an actual
injury occurred. In these circumstances it may be helpful to use
an Accident Reconstruction Video.
Click here to see an example of a Mechanism of Injury Animation
created for a products liability trial
Medical
Illustrations
Medical testimony in personal injury and medical
malpractice cases can be confusing. Custom designed
medical illustrations assist the jury in
understanding technical expert testimony.
Click here to see examples of Medical Illustrations
Models
Anatomical models and specially created models depicting an
accident scene or a defective piece of equipment
that is used during the testimony of an expert witness and
during closing argument can often emphasize a point more than an
illustration.
Click here to
see examples of Models
Photographic Enlargements
If one picture is worth a thousand words, the
photo shown to the jury must be large enough for all the
jurors to see and appreciate.
Click
here to see examples of Photographic Enlargements
Timelines
Certain cases require the jury to understand not only the final
event but what led up to it. At times the events may span years
or decades. A timeline is a visual aid for the jury to track the
events in a chronological order.
Click here to see examples of Timelines
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