Use of photographs and motion pictures

Use of photographs and motion pictures

No trial strategists have bested the cliche that a picture is worth a thousand words. When at the computer center, counsel should record as much demonstrative evidence as possible. Therefore, at the scene of the crime, counsel should record the environment with photographs, charts, and moving pictures or videotapes if appropriate. Forensic photographers and surveyors are available to do this.

Pictures, especially large and easily visible ones, charts, and other aids to comprehension can help keep the attention of the jury, as well as reinforce arguments that counsel makes to persuade the jury of the innocence of the client.FN59

It may be possible to use the computer itself as an aid to the defense effort. In some cases, a simulation of the defense version of the crime may be used. In others, the graphics capabilities of the computer can be used to demonstrate how variable changes would effect the theory of the prosecution.