Creating a Well-Rounded Trial Strategy Using Graphics and Technology

In today’s world, judges and jurors alike expect to see the use of graphics and technology during a trial. By implementing the use of interactive diagrams, PowerPoint preentations, video footage, and other such pieces of technology, a once bland oral argument or tedious line of questioning suddenly becomes engaging and interesting.

The experts at TrialSpectrum, Inc. have assisted countless attorneys in their trial preparations and have helped them create strategies that are persuasive and credible in the eyes of the judge and jury.

However, the use of too much technology can impact a jury negatively. The jury may be so focused on a display or video that it loses sight of the primary argument. However, with the right team of experts, the best types of technology for your case may be carefully selected and inserted into your arguments and questioning.

The Right Balance

For example, consider the use of digital displays in a courtroom. In the courtroom, a visual display has been shown to significantly impact a jury’s understanding of the point the attorney is trying to make. An attorney’s oral description of an insurance property claims or medical error, for example, may be complex and confusing for a jury. However, diagrams and other displays may show the jury exactly where and how the alleged malpractice occurred.

The Characteristics of the Jurors

Another factor to consider when preparing for trial is the jury’s receptiveness to the arguments that will be made. To make a well-rounded trial strategy using demonstratives and technology, knowing the ability of the jury to understand and interpret various displays and audio clips is essential to prevailing in court.

With the assistance of a jury consultant or trial support company, however, attorneys may narrow down their pool of jurors to those who are best able to understand technology. Issues to consider are whether a juror is hard of hearing, is color blind, uses technology frequently, or has poor vision.

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

A well-rounded trial strategy also includes back-up plans. What if it storms on the day of trial and the court’s Wi-Fi connection fails? What if the courtroom’s video / audio system does not work on the date of the hearing? With the assistance of a trial support company, you have technology experts standing by to ensure you are ready to turn to “Plan B” if needed.

At TrialSpectrum, Inc., all services are managed in-house. Rather than risk contracting services out to third parties that may or may not be reliable on the day of trial, we prepare all products ourselves. Our employees are trained in the most cutting-edge forms of trial technology and are available to assist attorneys at any time.

Knowing Your Courtroom

Courthouses vary significantly in terms of available and allowable technology from one jurisdiction to the next. Further, within a single courthouse, judges may have a variety of preferences and rules that apply to trials in their courtrooms. Preparing a case for its specific courtroom is extremely important and makes a significant difference in the outcome of the case. The technology experts at TrialSpectrum, Inc. help attorneys prepare for trials throughout the country and know how to tailor presentations to meet the requirements and restrictions of individual judges.

To Schedule a Free Consultation, Call TrialSpectrum, Inc. Today

If you would like to speak with the technology experts at TrialSpectrum, Inc., call us at 800-789-0084 or visit www.trialspectrum.com to learn about the services we offer. We ensure that we meet our clients’ quality expectations while also staying within their budgets.

Your Case Visualized

Bringing a case to life through imagery is one of the most powerful tools an attorney can use in the courtroom. Most judges and jurors expect to see the use of some type of technology, no matter what type of case the attorney may be presenting.

Utilizing the services of a litigation consulting company helps attorneys greatly increase their chances of success. At TrialSpectrum, Inc., our professionals are available to help firms throughout the United States with various types of cases and proceedings.

Imagery is an excellent tool for depositions, mediation, arbitration, courtroom hearings, trials, and other proceedings throughout litigation.

There are two primary types of evidence: substantive and demonstrative.

Substantive evidence refers to evidence of an actual element in the case—such as a weapon or a photograph of the scene of a car accident.

Demonstrative evidence is used to help the judge and jury understand the various pieces of evidence in the case. For example, a graphic that demonstrates how an injury occurs would be demonstrative evidence.

Demonstrative evidence has been shown to be a powerful tool, especially in cases involving complicated, complex issues.

Of course, to be admissible in court, the foundation for the use of the demonstrative evidence must be established by a witness. At TrialSpectrum, Inc., we are able to help create graphics and other visualizations that strengthen your case while ensuring they are admissible in the courtroom.

Using Aids with Expert Witnesses

Expert witnesses are frequently used to help attorneys present evidence to a judge and jury. Because the matters these witnesses testify on are often difficult for many laypersons to understand, presenting visual aids alongside the expert’s testimony not only helps a jury understand the issue, but also remember it during deliberations.

Condensing Lengthy Testimony

As all attorneys know, some trials may go on for weeks and weeks. Although many jurisdictions allow jurors to take notes on evidence and testimony, it may be difficult for some jurors to remember all of the information that is presented, especially if they are experiencing mental fatigue.

Videos, animated graphics, easy-to-understand charts, and other such types of imagery significantly help in these situations. When you present a compelling argument that is partnered with an image that truly impacts a juror, you make it much more likely that the juror remembers and understands the argument you are making.

A Theme is Important

If it looks like an attorney throws images and videos from Google into a PowerPoint presentation, judges and jurors may feel that the resulting product is sloppy—which, of course, reflects poorly on the attorney.

It is important to have a solid theme in a case that builds a relationship between the evidence that is presented. For example, in a medical malpractice case, using the same types of graphics to illustrate parts of the human body is beneficial. In an employment case, using the same font, font color, and background color to highlight employer policies or similar information is best.

The experienced litigation consultants at TrialSpectrum, Inc. will discuss your case with you and determine which aids are best for the arguments you need to make.

We Are Available to Help You with Your Case  

If you would like to learn about the various services we offer at TrialSpectrum, Inc., give us a call to schedule a free consultation today. No matter where your case is in the phases of litigation, we can help you with your technology needs.

At TrialSpectrum, Inc., we keep all of our services in-house. This allows us to guarantee the quality of our services and streamline the production process.

If you would like to schedule a free consultation, call 800-789-0084 or visit www.trialspectrum.com.

Trial Exhibit Boards: Are They Still Relevant?

Many attorneys focus on digital visual aids such as PowerPoint presentations and animations, but trial exhibit boards continue to serve a valuable purpose in the courtroom.

What Should Be Printed on Trial Exhibit Boards?

A number of factors impact what content should be printed onto a trial exhibit board. For example, in a personal injury claim, accident scene diagrams / photos and images of injuries may be powerful. In breach of contract cases, printing clauses from a contract or quotations from a party may have a significant impact on the jury.

At TrialSpectrum, Inc., our team of litigation consultants and trial technology professionals will work with you to create the most effective trial exhibit board for your legal proceeding. We apply various persuasive techniques to ensure that your arguments and exhibits will have the intended effect on your specific audience.

Trial Exhibit Boards Stay Put to Deliver a Powerful Message

One of the biggest advantages to using trial exhibit boards is that they are stationary. During your opening and closing statements, you can have your case theme highlighted on a trial exhibit board and place it where the jury can easily refer to it. As you question witnesses, present evidence, and make your arguments, the jury will be reminded of the big picture as they connect your case to the theme presented on the trial exhibit board.

Although using animations and PowerPoint presentations is certainly effective, for many jurors, the argument is lost if there are too many slides or if the information is presented too quickly. Using a trial exhibit board allows the jury to focus on the attorney’s arguments and absorb the information that is being presented.

Know Your Audience: Many Jurors Prefer Simpler Presentations

Many jurors, particularly those who are older, easily become overwhelmed by fancy animations, videos, and audio clips. They may struggle to keep up with the points the attorney is arguing, or they may find these types of visual aids distracting. A simple trial exhibit board that is easy to see and easy to read is often a much better approach to use for these jurors.

For many jurors, less is more.

How TrialSpectrum, Inc., Can Help Your Law Firm

At TrialSpectrum, Inc., our team of professional litigation consultants and trial technology specialists are prepared to meet with you to discuss your case. We are able to assist with both courtroom hearings and out-of-court proceedings, such as arbitration and mediation.

Unlike many litigation consulting and trial technology companies, TrialSpectrum, Inc., conducts all of its printing services in-house. This allows us to maintain an excellent standard of quality, keep costs down for our clients, and expedite the printing process. We carefully package the materials for your presentation so that they are not damaged during transport, and we are even available to help you set up and break down your presentation materials on the date of your event.

To ensure that your audience is able to easily view your trial exhibit board, we use foam core boards that are laminated with dry-erase laminate. Your board will be viewed easily from any angle.

We are able to print a variety of sizes of exhibit boards, ranging from 18 x 24 inches to 48 x 96 inches.

Call TrialSpectrum, Inc. Today to Discuss Your Case

The team at TrialSpectrum, Inc., has assisted attorneys and law firms throughout the United States in a variety of legal claims. To schedule a free consultation to learn about our company and the products we offer, call 800-789-0084 or visit www.trialspectrum.com.