Courtroom Technology vs. Trial Boards
APVisuals offers its clients state of the art technology, multimedia presentations, legal video services, and deposition video playbacks for trial attorneys in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and all over South Florida. In addition, APVisuals also produces in-house small to large trial exhibit boards for counsel who would prefer handling exhibits. Some attorneys prefer to use technology in the courtroom while others prefer to use infographics, medical illustrations, photographs, and other blow-ups on trial exhibit boards. Why is that? Which method is better? How will your chances of success increase using either or both? Of course, like any situation there are pros and cons to both. Here are just a few to think about when planning your trial demonstrative strategy.
Many believe that large exhibit boards are now obsolete in civil trials. Lawyers use technology in courtrooms because of its ability to : 1) make changes on site to correspond with objections and the judge's rulings; 2) use sound and visuals to appeal to jurors that learn through visuals and auditory means; and 3) the ability to pull up any documents in a document intense matter such as a medical malpractice case and highlight immediately.
However, technology can be temperamental. Each courtroom is not created equal, they do not have the same electrical/internet/wifi connections, they do not have the same physical configuration, they do not have same rules regarding the use of technology, and lets not forget Murphy's rule "anything that can go wrong, will go wrong." Accordingly, the decision to use technology at trial or mediation also should include the decision to hire a technician to set-up, break-down and operate the technology during trial. This ensures that you, the lawyer, concentrate on presenting your legal arguments and are not worried on how to bring up the correct document on the screen at a certain time in trial. APVisuals dedicates itself to providing such expert technological aide during trials and mediation. APVisuals prior to trial will: 1) make contact with corresponding judicial assistant to learn of the judge's specific rules regarding technology in their courtroom; 2) visit the courtroom to see the size and determine where the pull up screen, monitors, etc. will be placed; and 3) will conference with you about the best way to present your documents or trial exhibits be in in trial director or in a multimedia presentation.
Well then why continue to use boards? Research has found that the use of a large exhibit board or timeline can leave a lasting impression on a jury. If the board is used time and time again, and the jury continues to look at it, it can leave a lasting impression on a juror. Boards can also be upgraded to have magnetic abilities. This would be useful in a motor vehicle accident case where the accident scene could be replaced and manipulated on a board before the jury. Boards are also effective when going over the verdict form in closing by acting out how the juror should rule. Boards also work well with experts because they are able to come off the stand, go to the board and mark up the board. This allows the expert to interact with the jury creating more of a relationship and boosting their credibility.
In sum, APVisuals believes that using technology in conjunction with trial exhibit boards creates the best solution. It offers jurors many ways to absorb the information that is being rapidly given to them.
APVisuals has over 20+ years of combined experience in preparing and assisting local South Florida attorneys prepare trial and mediation exhibits. We offer in house, graphic design, printing, video, animations and medical illustrations. We would love to work with you on your next trial. If your are interested in developing a demonstrative strategy for your next trial or mediation please contact us at 305-318-9570 or an info@apvisuals.com.
