Opinion ID: 2387298
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Acid Demonstration

Text: Appellant argues that the trial court erred in allowing Appellees to present a demonstration using muriatic acid on a rock on the basis that it was not an accurate re-enactment of the what had occurred in Edwards's basement and that it was thus prohibited by Rule 403. We disagree. The admissibility and use of demonstrative evidence is a matter falling within the wide discretion of the trial court. Berry, 328 Ark. 553, 944 S.W.2d 838. When a test or experiment is an attempt to reenact the original happening, the essential elements of the experiment must be substantially similar to those existing at the time of the accident. Carr v. Suzuki Motor Co., 280 Ark. 1, 655 S.W.2d 364 (1983). When, however, an experiment is designed to show the general traits and capacities of a material involved in the controversy, it is admissible even though it does not conform to the conditions surrounding the litigated situation. Id. Relying on the holding in Carr , the trial court ruled that the demonstration would be allowed to show the jury the chemical characteristics of the acid. The trial court did not abuse its discretion.