Demonstrative Evidence
Why medical illustrations are so effective in the courtroom
We live in a visual society. That which stimulates our senses is remembered more vividly than purely verbal, theoretical concepts - however much that may disturb the legal profession, whose dedication to verbal exactitude is fundamental. It is not for nothing that statistics and factual information is now transmitted increasingly through visual means especially in the printed media. Charts, graphs, information of all sorts are replacing paragraphs-ful of verbal description and definition. "You have to see it to believe it". Don't tell me, show me." A picture has always been worth a thousand words and it continues to be somore than ever today, for we also live under an avalanche of "information" flowing at us from all sides and changing the way in which we react and think. Paying attention is getting to be increasingly based upon visual stimuli. This in no way denigrates or decreases the capacity of words and their effectiveness. It merely takes advantage of the fact that a parallel language exists - a visual language - and that the two combined enhance the capacity of the speaker to affect and persuade the listener.
The physician's testimony is often recalled by the jury during deliberations, only if the exhibits are available to them for closer study. The influence of artwork is probably of greater duration and weight than the once-expressed testimony of the doctors use of their often incomprehensible medically technical vocabulary. The testifying experts leave, the drawings remain.
Biology lessons should never be in the purpose of illustrations prepared for court presentations. They should never be used frivolously to illustrate everything, since the jury's interest in technicalities is limited. Their capacity to remember them during long, time consuming trials is equally uncertain. Their purpose is to focus on the heart of the case by dramatizing it and making it vivid, as well as understandable.
As the following cases show, demonstrative evidence, i.e. medical illustrations in the courtroom, not only explain technical facts and educate jurors to the particulars of the case, but also stimulate interest and encourage curiosity. As a result, juries delve deeper into the issues and base their judgements on the point being emphasized by means of the illustration.
The physician's testimony is often recalled by the jury during deliberations, only if the exhibits are available to them for closer study. The influence of artwork is probably of greater duration and weight than the once-expressed testimony of the doctors use of their often incomprehensible medically technical vocabulary. The testifying experts leave, the drawings remain.
Biology lessons should never be in the purpose of illustrations prepared for court presentations. They should never be used frivolously to illustrate everything, since the jury's interest in technicalities is limited. Their capacity to remember them during long, time consuming trials is equally uncertain. Their purpose is to focus on the heart of the case by dramatizing it and making it vivid, as well as understandable.
As the following cases show, demonstrative evidence, i.e. medical illustrations in the courtroom, not only explain technical facts and educate jurors to the particulars of the case, but also stimulate interest and encourage curiosity. As a result, juries delve deeper into the issues and base their judgements on the point being emphasized by means of the illustration.
Eyelid case. (Click here for details and movie)
Medical legal case involving a baby with born with Chiari II maleformation.
(Click here to view details) 
Medical illustrations drawn from radiology films to depict a bunionectomy.
Medical malpractice case, defense. (click here to see details) 
Charts and graphs created for law firm, Waterbury, CT
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Graphs and charts created to show amniotic fluid index and gestational age.
Bridgeport, CT 
Truck accident case depicting injury of orbital eye. Danbury, CT
Exhibit depicting laceration of the eye of a maintenance worker. Bridgeport, CT
"Big Foot"
(Click here for details and movie) |
Exhibit of arm with overlays created to demonstrate proper area of arm for intravenous needle.
(click here for details) 
Comparison exhibit depicting disc impingement utilizing plaintiff's MRI.
(click here to view details) 
Legal case involving artificial disc surgery complication.
(click here to view details) 
Machete case. Stamford, CT
Exhibit (30"x40") demonstrating a meningeal bleed post trauma for law firm, Bridgeport, CT
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