The expert witness does not have to stop his testimony to change boards, and the jury is not distracted. For example, an auto collision reconstruction diagram might show time, change in velocity, direction and force of impact. Thus, in one picture the jury sees the collision reenacted and how hard the victim was hit. Presenting collision damage to the vehicles on the same board further augments your case. With the recent drop in the cost of computer technology, some litigators are turning to computer animation as an illustrative technique for product liability, auto collision and premises cases.
Multivariate illustrations have several distinct advantages over computer-generated animations.
More importantly, they have a static quality that continuously conveys your argument to the jury even after you sit down to let your opponent cross-examine or try to rebut your closing argument. The six tips presented here will serve as a guideline to keep your case costs under control while preparing concise visual arguments for trial. Craig Parsley, a forensic illustrator and owner of Parsley Research and Design Service in Seattle, is also an elementary school teacher. The mission of the Washington State Bar Association is to promote justice and to serve its members and the public.