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The Law and Ethics of Graphics in the Court RoomApril 2009
I. GRAPHICS ADMITTED INTO EVIDENCE

    B. A NOTE ON PROCEDURE

    The immediate effect of the jury viewing a graphic is virtually the same as if it were admitted into evidence, which may inject prejudicial error into the trial if the graphic is later denied admission. To avoid any potential problems, counsel should advise the court and opposing counsel of the intention to use a visual aid, either at a pre-trial conference or during trial outside the presence of the jury. If a surprise at trial is desired, the graphic should be kept away from the jury until a foundation for it is established and the judge either admits the graphic into evidence or grants leave to display it to the jury. 26

<< Return to Section I, Part AContinue to Section I, Part C. Review of Graphics Admissibility >>

written by Ron Kurzman
Litigation Consultant / Partner
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