Debunking the Myths of Litigation Exhibits & Presentations
I recently attended a legal conference where I discussed the services of our company – Med Art & Legal Graphics – with attorneys from across the country. It was good to see many old friends who have used our demonstrative evidence exhibits & trial presentations with much success. Still, I ran into a fair number who said, “I don’t use that kind of stuff.”
Granted, not all cases require exhibits. However, I feel I should address some…um…myths (for lack of a better term) I have heard from attorneys regarding the use of “that kind of stuff.”
When exhibits are prepared by Certified Medical Illustrators, then reviewed and approved by the treating physician or other expert to be true, fair and accurate, they are always accepted into evidence.
A skilled attorney will have her/his exhibits prepared by a professional – like Med Art & Legal Graphics -- who works with experts to get the necessary approval every step of the way. This applies equally to crime scene exhibits, accident orientation depictions and all other illustrative mediums.
For those of you DIY folks, take note of what Ed Josiah of GREYHAWK North America has to say in his treatise, “Demonstrative Evidence Evidentiary Issues & Laying a Proper Foundation:”
“When casually measured and hastily prepared diagrams are used to pinpoint specific placement of crucial evidence, or to verify eyewitness visibility, they step over the boundary of their original intent and may create a false picture of the evidence.”
Don’t risk exhibit inadmissibility: Contact the professionals at Med Art & Legal Graphics Company – 888-715-0784. Or, visit our website at www.med-art.com.
Note: For statutory guidelines, see Federal Rules of Evidence 901, 902, and 1001-1004.evidence.
