ABSTRACT
Contents Objectives ............................................................................................................................... 440 Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 440 Skill Requirements for the LNC .............................................................................................. 441
Advanced Technical Skills and Use of Software, Hardware, and Equipment.................... 441 Presentation Style .................................................................................................................... 442 Knowledge of Resources, Utilization of Graphics and Anatomical Exhibits, and
Digitization of Exhibits .................................................................................................. 442 Role of the LNC ..................................................................................................................... 444
Identify Critical Time Frames and Coordinate Evidence with Facts ................................ 444 Issue and Focal Point Identifi cation ......................................................................................... 444 Conference with the Legal Team to Develop Case Strategy ...................................................... 445 Final Review ............................................................................................................................ 445 Preparation of Demonstrative Evidence ................................................................................... 445
Legal Team Review of Admissibility of Evidence in Presentation Format and Rules of Procedure ........................................................................................ 445
To review the LNC’s focus related to demonstrative evidence and presentation ◾ To describe the role of the LNC in preparation and presentation of demonstrative evidence ◾ To discuss preparation of digital exhibits and successful presentation of case issues ◾ To review the admissibility and use of technical demonstrative evidence in the courts ◾
Introduction Today’s technology makes it easy for more than 100 federal courtrooms to be prewired for paperless trials. However, many trial lawyers remain hampered because they do not possess specialized technological skills to be able to present demonstrative evidence in these courtrooms. Trial lawyers still present demonstrative evidence by holding up exhibits, handing documents to jurors, and using foam board blow-ups and easels that the jurors cannot see with ease. Demonstrative evidence needs to be presented clearly and precisely to the jurors to convey the intended message. Choosing the most fi tting avenue to convey this message is as important as encompassing the bullet points that founded the complaints in the case. People learn and remember information in many diff erent ways. Visual images are more eff ective than verbal scenarios in most instances.
