Legal Video Landmarks
July 3rd, 2008 Posted in Digital Litigation Solutions, Legalsized Blog, Trial Consultants, Trial GraphicsUnder the legal code, individuals accused of a crime in California state have the right to an expedited trial, beginning no later than 60 days from the arraignment. OJ’s ‘dream team’ of defense attorneys exercised that right, fearing any additional time would allow the prosecution ample opportunity to prepare and extract potentially damaging forensic evidence or create multimedia trial graphics, computer generated animations, etc. The jury did see and hear plenty of digital evidence; there was compelling demonstrations (the audio tape of Mark Fuhrman using racial slurs) and controversial chase scene videos.
It was, for the most part, a nicely packaged trial from the perspective of an entertainment executive. A large portion of daytime network television WAS the OJ Simpson trial in 1993! For the first time, the public was getting an up close and personal look into the growing digital courtroom. Forensic science, DNA evidence and the field of multimedia litigation were still in infancy to varying degrees in1993, but already a dramatic shift was apparent.
More recently the Robert Blake trial captured the attention of national media and the cameras went back into the courtroom for a closer look. Once again we see laptop computers, video monitors (this time flat screens), and multimedia trial support playing a major role in both the prosecution and defense in a high profile criminal/celebrity case.
Is it any coincidence that these public figures made their millions on television, and now, finding themselves on the wrong side of a criminal case, would turn to multimedia courtroom presentations and legal video for protection?
8 Responses to “Legal Video Landmarks”
By Alle on Jul 3, 2008
Both of their verdicts illustrate how impactful multi-media tools are in the courtroom and how smart their ‘dream teams’ are to utilize them!
By Jerry Stelle on Jul 4, 2008
Content is great - since you have ten items, you might consider using an index. Also, show the current date rather than February for “From the Team.”
By Blaine on Jul 7, 2008
Layout looks great. The content is very useful and current. I would also try to use current date for the “From the Team” section. Secondly, if possible try to update that section every other month or every three months to let potential clients know your are active within the industry.
By Frita Downbloom on Jul 9, 2008
What an interesting read. It’s hard to believe that OJ was that long ago. And Yes, the multimedia played a HUGE part in the trial outcome. Actually the whole thing turned into a huge media circus & history shows that OJ was acquitted on his alleged crimes. It is apparent that history also shows how vital “continued visualization” through the digitalization of testimonies & evidence helps to lock into ones mind many details & facets of a case that normally would be lost due to the sheer volume of such details.
By Conrad Hees on Jul 9, 2008
It’s hard to think of how legal teams prosecuted / defended before multi-media tools became available. Did they just tell stories and pray the 12 sleepy (often incompetent) members of the jury were paying attention?
By Samantha on Jul 10, 2008
There is a typo. “Forensic science,… in1993…”
By Samantha on Jul 10, 2008
“Is it any coincidence that these public figures made their millions on television, and now, finding themselves on the wrong side of a criminal case, would turn to multimedia courtroom presentations and legal video for protection?”
Protection? Please explain. I definitely don’t disagree with that statement, but the protective spin on multimedia presentations/legal video sounds is powerful. It’s kinda like saying, OJ was acquitted in large part due to this media technology, right?
By Samantha on Jul 10, 2008
Damn it there was a typo in my post.
“Is it any coincidence that these public figures made their millions on television, and now, finding themselves on the wrong side of a criminal case, would turn to multimedia courtroom presentations and legal video for protection?”
Protection? Please explain. I definitely don’t disagree with that statement, but the protective spin on multimedia presentations/legal video is powerful. It’s kinda like saying, OJ was acquitted in large part due to this media technology, right? HUGE.