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Just what is it that wins a trial case? It’s not a simple matter of providing a bullet list of facts. The subject matter and fine points of evidence can be complex and difficult to follow, and the trial attorneys rarely have the luxury of speaking to twelve patient, well-informed, and attentive jurors.
In addition to compelling arguments and curated testimonies, effective trial graphics can help jurors absorb and apply dense information by breaking down and clarifying the importance of key details. Knowing how to prepare exhibits for court is a critical skill in this process, ensuring that all visual aids are both impactful and comprehensible.
With the right trial graphics presentation, you can help guide jurors from confusion to understanding.
Trial attorneys by another name are storytellers. In between breaks, objections, and other distractions, they need to find ways to help jurors weave together a unified story out of the bits and pieces of information presented to them over the course of a courtroom trial.
Like any other story, one told at court will be more compelling when illustrated. Trial graphics and courtroom presentations can help jurors:
Graphics can also be used to support witness testimony on both sides, such as with:
Winning the trial graphics game doesn’t mean going overboard. Longer, denser, or fancier isn’t necessarily better.
Your graphics and trial presentations should be:
Trial graphics can encompass a wide range of appearance and functionality. There is a lot you can accomplish with basic tools, such as:
While simple graphics can carry a lot of useful information, complex situations and evidence may need a deeper level of visual storytelling. In addition to still photos and slideshows, consider:
You’ll also want to keep adaptability in mind. How will your presentation need to change based on rulings and admissibility issues that you cannot predict? You don’t want to have to scrap a detailed animation or video because it contains an element that can no longer be shown to the jury, so:
Your graphics need to support your argument and reinforce your position. Basic design principles that help include:
Of note, contrast levels, font sizing, image resolutions, or other graphics preparation decisions should be informed by the viewing method. Try to find out the technical details of the devices and conditions used to display graphics—individual juror monitors, HDTV screens (size and distance matter), projection screens washed out under overhead lighting, etc.
Depending on your case facts and claims, you may want to present:
When you partner with graphics professionals, be clear about your objectives related to the facts of the case, the relevance to your arguments, and the emotional impact you hope to elicit.
The most important aspect of trial graphics is their supportive nature. Make sure your presentation doesn’t distract, delay, or confuse the jurors or your team.
On the nuts and bolts side, if you’re not engaging a professional trial technician or Hot Seat Operator, then:
Once you’re prepared for technical glitches, consider the human side of integrating the digital trial presentation. That starts by practicing full run-throughs of arguments and questions that incorporate graphics.
Make sure you can verbally and physically introduce, share, and clarify your presentations without fumbling or losing your flow:
Gearing your presentations to jurors can be a difficult balancing act. While you don’t want to condescend or dismiss them, you still need to keep in mind that they’re likely to have:
Before graphics make their way to the courtroom, be clear about the nature and content of each deliverable. This includes knowing:
You can also avoid graphics issues by introducing them during depositions and circulating them to allow for review and corrections that may stave off objections at trial. Share them early with:
Trial graphics require resources, whether they’re created in-house or outsourced, so you need to know what works and what doesn’t. Try to collect anecdotal feedback such as:
Ask questions of your team members, opposing team, and jurors if possible, to get multiple viewpoints on starring graphics that were intended to help carry your case.
The keystone of effective trial graphics is partnering with the right providers.
As the home of elite trial service and consulting TrialQuest, our trial services division of U.S. Legal Support is uniquely positioned to help your team clarify and showcase the information your jury needs to understand.
With decades of experience and over 20,000 high-risk trials, arbitrations, and mediations across nearly all practice areas, we can build visuals that make a difference. From still to interactive exhibits in court, our team offers photography, videography, animation, illustration, and 3D modeling.
In addition to litigation consulting and trial services, U.S. Legal Support also provides multi-methodology court reporting, transcription, interpreting and translation services, record retrieval, analysis, and organization, and more.
Ready to learn more? Contact us today by phone, email, or website request form to discuss your trial graphics and other litigation support needs.
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Content published on the U.S. Legal Support blog is reviewed by professionals in the legal and litigation support services field to help ensure accurate information. The information provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice for attorneys or clients.