Legal Graphics and animations are tools used during litigation in court that are used by attorneys and expert witnesses to visually communicate some issues of the case. These graphics that are usually created with the help of computers are made with the objective to emphasis and give more clarity to key evidences in the case. A variety of graphic applications are possible and its use will depend on its appropriateness and the message to be conveyed. Here are the different types of graphics that are being used today.
- Timelines
- Illustrations
- Animation
- Photography
- PowerPoint presentations
- Websites
- Display boards
Timelines are sequences where events happen one after another suggesting the possibility of cause and effect. It is a very easy method of showing events in relation to one another. By definition, a timeline is a graphical representation of a chronological sequence of events, and is also referred to as a chronology or a schedule of activities. They are usually printed as big posters and displayed conveniently making it very visible.
Graphic illustrations have always greatly influenced the decisions of the jury. Illustrations help the viewer to quickly understand concepts, relationships and understand the actual cause behind an event. Charts are also excellent visual tools that can explain in a very short time details which would take a long time if we were to verbally explain it. They help the jury to visualize the facts in its true perspective. Another popular and common graphic tool used during litigation is maps and these are used very effectively to show relationships within a defined area.
Legal animations using flash etc can be shown on a computer or using a projector. It has applications in many different fields. Animation graphics have many benefits during litigation and that include,
- Get undivided attention of the audience
- Better explanation of technical details is made possible
- Make product prototypes easily
- Can show that which is invisible to the human eye (like bacteria)
- Can show an event or accident in slow motion/ real time
- Possibility of 2D and 3D graphic animations to give actual experience