When trying to capture the shrinking attention spans of today’s jurors, animation can be a litigant’s best friend. Animations visually engage the jurors while conveying complex facts in a way that is easy to comprehend and retain. In marketing they refer to the rule of seven: this means that people have to hear your message 7 times before they actually grasp and retain the information. It is the same in a courtroom: jurors have to hear your narrative multiple times before they fully understand your argument. Changing up how you present this information not only helps retention, it keeps jurors from becoming bored at being told the same thing over and over.
But how can you be sure your well-crafted animation will be admitted? First and foremost, you must be sure that experts and witnesses have been consulted during the development of the animation. Animations must be validated by expert or witness testimony to be admitted as evidence. Failure to get this input can result in significant and costly revisions on a time crunch. At worst, the animation can be thrown out due to lack of authentication.
Demonstration Versus Simulation Animations
Evidentiary animations fall into two categories: simulation and demonstration. Most animations used at trial are demonstrative, because they have an easier path to admissibility and don’t cost as much to create since they are less complex. The goal of demonstrative evidence is to educate the audience or explain something, such as how a machine functions.
Conversely, simulations often contain complex data or show real-world interactions between objects. Because they extrapolate from objective data, simulation animations must meet a higher standard of admissibility. This sometimes requires testimony from both the expert who provided the content, and the animator. The animator must testify about the data they used to create the animation and the process they used to implement that data accurately so that it simulates reality, giving opportunity for cross examination. Both the expert and the animator must work together to ensure the simulation can stand up to the rigors of examination and counter-testimony.
Precise: Ensuring your Animated Evidence is Rigorous, Expert, and Engaging
At Precise, our skilled animators work closely with experts and witnesses, as well as your legal team, to ensure the resulting animation will both meet evidentiary standards and clearly explain your case narrative. From product liability to medical malpractice or workman’s compensation cases, we can help you demonstrate whatever concepts you need to make your argument effectively. The beauty of animations is that they can be created without face-to-face communication. Whether your law firm is located in California or Nebraska, our team of committed designers and animators will make use of today’s technology to provide you with high-quality animations that will satisfy your case’s needs, without having to meet face-to-face. Contact us today and let us give you the advantage in your litigation.
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