3D animation

Used to create realistic re-enactments of accidents, incidents, or complex events in ways that help juries visualize and understand the sequence of events.

3D printing

Allows the creation of physical models of objects or scenes relevant to the issue, giving juries a hands-on understanding of a case.

Admissibility

Refers to whether certain evidence is allowed to be presented in court. Litgation support professionals ensure that evidence, including digital files, graphics, and animations, adheres to the rules of admissibility (e.g., not misleading or prejudicial).

Animation

Animations can visually reconstruct events, such as car accidents or crime scenes, making it easier for the jury to understand complex actions or timelines.

Answer

The defendant’s formal written response to the complaint, addressing the allegations made by the plaintiff.

Autodesk Maya

High-end 3D modeling software that can be used to create realistic animations for accident reconstructions or detailed visual simulations that clarify technical aspects of a case.

Bar chart

A form of data visualization commonly used to compare amounts or quantities, such as in showing the financial impact of a case or comparing injury severities.

Closing argument

The final statements made by attorneys summarizing the evidence and urging the jury or judge to reach a particular verdict. This occurs after all evidence has been presented.

Color psychology

The use of color in visuals can evoke emotions, highlight key points, or make certain information more memorable, all of which can influence how juries perceive and retain information.

Complaint

A formal legal document filed by the plaintiff that initiates a lawsuit, stating the facts and legal reasons the plaintiff believes justify the lawsuit.

Computer simulations

While computer-generated animations are usually considered demonstrative evidence in a court case, computer-generated simulations, which use raw data and computer analysis to form conclusions, are considered a form of substantive evidence. This subjects these visuals to additional admissibility standards, meaning a party that intends to use a simulation as evidence must disclose it before trial within a timeframe that gives the opposing party opportunity to inspect and approve of the evidence.

Contrast

High contrast in visuals ensures readability and helps direct attention to the most critical information, improving the jury’s ability to follow along.

Cross-examination

The questioning of a witness by the opposing counsel.

Data

Data refers to factual information (such as numbers, text, images, etc.) that can be processed or analyzed for various purposes. Organizing data in the form of data visualizations can present the information much more quickly and effectively to an audience.

Data visualization

Visuals that simplify complex data sets, allowing juries to easily interpret factual evidence relevant to a case (e.g., diagrams or charts depicting financial fraud or injury statistics). While there are many ways to visualize data, different approaches can determine how effective or persuasive the same information is based purely on its visual representation.

Defendant

The party being sued or accused in a court case. The defendant responds to the plaintiff’s claims and presents a defense.

Demonstrative evidence

Visual or physical evidence (e.g., photos, charts, animations) used to support arguments and make abstract or technical concepts more clear to the jury who may lack specialized knowledge in the subject matter at hand. Compare to substantive evidence.

Demonstrative exhibits/Trial exhibits/Court exhibits

Physical or digital displays presented during trial to demonstrate facts, typically in the form of diagrams, models, videos, animations, and other visual aids.

Deposition

A witness’s sworn out-of-court testimony, taken during discovery. It can be used later in trial to support or challenge witness testimony.

Deposition video

A recorded out-of-court testimony of a witness, often played during the trial. Litigation support teams that specialize in trial technology handle editing, syncing with transcripts, and preparing these videos for playback in court.

Design thinking

Design thinking is a problem-solving approach that emphasizes understanding the needs of the user, generating creative solutions, and iteratively refining those solutions. By applying design thinking in the courtroom, lawyers and litigation support professionals can create more engaging, clear, and persuasive trial graphics that help juries understand complex information, thereby increasing the chances of a favorable outcome.

Disclosure

In the context of a court case, disclosure refers to the process where one party provides the opposing party with evidence that will be used in court, as required by law (e.g., discovery). Disclosure can include documents, expert reports, witness lists, or other critical evidence. In the digital age, IT and litigation support teams ensure that the disclosed evidence is properly organized, cataloged, and shared in an accessible format while keeping it secure and intact.

Discovery

Visual communication refers to the use of visual elements to convey information. This includes a wide range of mediums like digital or print graphics, images, symbols, videos and animations. Visuals can be especially powerful in marketing, education, and branding, due to the brain’s ability to process visual stimuli very quickly.

Drone footage

Provides aerial views of crime scenes or accident sites, giving the jury a unique perspective that might not be available from ground-level photographs or videos.

Expert witness

A witness with specialized knowledge relevant to the case. Quotes from expert witnesses can be crucial forms of demonstrative evidence if properly visualized.

Exploded view diagram

Shows the inner workings of complex machinery or products by separating components. Helps juries understand how a product operates or how it failed in cases involving product liability or mechanical defects.

Flowchart

A form of data visualization that explains processes or events in a clear, step-by-step visual.

Fonts

The choice of font in trial graphics can affect readability and tone. Clear, legible fonts ensure that key information is communicated effectively without distractions.

Forensic graphics

These are graphics specifically used to explain forensic evidence, like DNA analysis, ballistics, or blood spatter patterns, simplifying complex scientific testimony for the jury.

GIS

GIS (Geographic Information System) maps are used to display geographic data, such as land ownership, incident locations, or environmental impacts, visually tying spatial data to the case.

Graphic design

Effective graphic design organizes information visually, ensuring that evidence and key arguments are presented clearly and persuasively to the jury.

Hearsay evidence

Evidence based on the reports of others rather than the personal knowledge of a witness, typically inadmissible unless it falls under an exception. Litigation support assists with identifying and excluding hearsay from presentations to ensure admissibility.

Hierarchy

Visual hierarchy guides the viewer’s attention to the most important information first, ensuring clarity and preventing information overload.

Histogram

A form of data visualization that shows the distribution of specified data. This is useful in cases where understanding ranges (e.g., age, speed) is relevant.

Hot seat operator

A trial technician responsible for running courtroom technology during trial. They handle the live presentation of evidence, ensuring seamless transitions between slides, videos, and documents, all in real-time as the attorney directs.

Illustrator

Creates vector-based illustrations, including diagrams, maps, or charts. This form of visual is clear and scalable which is necessary for presentation on large screens in the courtroom.This program is also part of the Adobe Creative Suite, which is the industry standard design platform used by graphic artists and other designers.

InDesign

InDesign is a publication design software that can be used to design professional trial exhibits and presentation materials, ensuring that information is presented in an organized, visually appealing manner. This program is a part of the Adobe Creative Suite which is the industry standard design platform used by graphic artists and other designers.

IT

IT stands for information technology and refers to the use of computers, software, networks, and other technology systems to store, retrieve, transmit, and manipulate data and information. Before or during trial, an IT team or specialist manages the technical infrastructure, ensuring that the hardware and software used in trial presentations function smoothly. IT support is crucial for setting up, troubleshooting, and maintaining courtroom technology.

Jurisdiction

The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Jurisdiction depends on geographic location, subject matter, and the parties involved.

Jury

A group of people sworn to deliver a verdict based on the evidence presented at trial.

Keynote

Presentation software that can be used to create polished slide decks for opening statements, closing arguments, and presenting evidence.

Line graph

A form of data visualization that is useful for showing changes over time or trends relevant to the case.

Litigation support specialist

These professionals help manage and display evidence during the trial, ensuring that all visual aids and digital exhibits are presented correctly and efficiently.

Mechanical diagram

Illustrates the structure and operation of mechanical systems. Useful in cases involving industrial accidents, machinery malfunctions, or engineering disputes.

Medical diagram

Visualizes parts of the human body relevant to a case, such as injuries or surgical procedures. Simplifies complex medical concepts for non-expert juries in personal injury or medical malpractice cases.

Medical illustration

Custom-drawn images used to explain medical conditions, injuries, or procedures in detail. Enhances the testimony of expert witnesses, making it more accessible to the jury.

Objection

A formal protest made by an attorney during trial, questioning the admissibility or relevance of evidence or testimony. The judge will either sustain (agree with) or overrule (disagree with) the objection.

OnCue

A presentation software specifically designed for use in trials, allowing attorneys to seamlessly present exhibits, documents, videos, and graphics to the jury or judge.

Opening statement

The initial remarks made by attorneys at the beginning of the trial, outlining their case and previewing what evidence and testimony they will present.

Opposing counsel

The attorney representing the other side of the case. Trial support specialists can prepare visuals and tech strategies to anticipate and counter anticipated arguments made by the opposing counsel.

Persuasion techniques

Visual aids can be persuasive when used strategically. Good design can enhance credibility, emphasize key points, and lead the jury to conclusions without overwhelming them with unnecessary details.

Photography

Photographs provide factual, visual evidence of crime scenes, injuries, or accident sites, allowing juries to see what happened firsthand rather than relying on verbal descriptions alone.

Photoshop

Image editing software that graphic designers implement in creating digital graphics or enhancing or editing photos. This program is a part of the Adobe Creative Suite which is the industry standard design platform used by graphic artists and other designers.

Pie chart

A form of data visualization that is effective for illustrating proportions or percentages. In a legal case this could be used to show sets of data like liability shares or budget breakdowns.

Plaintiff

The party who initiates the lawsuit by filing a complaint, seeking legal remedy for an alleged wrong.

PowerPoint (ppt)

PowerPoint is a presentation software developed by Microsoft that allows users to create and deliver slideshows. It is widely used for various purposes, including business meetings, educational lectures, and public speaking. It includes design features such as templates, transitions, presenter tools, and multimedia integration. In court, powerpoint can be used to display exhibits, timelines, charts, and diagrams to help juries, judges, and other legal professionals to better understand a case.

Scale models

Physical or digital 3D models of objects (buildings, vehicles, machines) used to give the jury a tangible understanding of spatial relationships and size, critical in cases like accidents or property disputes.

Scatterplot

A form of data visualization used to show correlations or patterns in data.

Settlement

A resolution between parties in a lawsuit, reached outside of court, often involving a payment or agreement. Settlements can occur before or during a trial.

Slide presentation

A common tool for presenting evidence in an organized, visual format that helps juries understand and remember complex information. Examples include PowerPoint and Keynote.

Substantive evidence

Substantive evidence is any evidence that helps establish the facts of a case, proving or disproving a key issue in the dispute. It is important to understand the distinction between substantive and demonstrative evidence when preparing for trial, as requirements for disclosure often vary and trial graphics that are considered to be subtantive will likely face more critical review.

Thermal imaging

Thermal images can show heat patterns, which might be useful in cases involving surveillance, hidden objects, or environmental disputes.

Timeline

A form of data visualization that helps juries understand the sequence of events, particularly in cases with complex chronology or when determining causality is critical.

Transcription extracts

Segments of testimony transcriptions used to emphasize key points in a trial. Trial graphics professionals may highlight or excerpt these in trial presentations to aid in witness examination or closing arguments.

Tree diagram

A form of data visualization that organizes hierarchical information, such as relationships between individuals or steps in a decision-making process.

Trial

The formal judicial examination of evidence and legal arguments before a judge or jury.

Trial graphics professionals

Experts in creating visual representations of complex information for use in court.

Trial graphics/litigation graphics

Custom-designed graphics created specifically for trial presentations, helping lawyers present their case visually and making complex information accessible to those unfamiliar with the case.

Trial tech/courtroom technology

Refers to the use of technological tools (computers, projectors, software) to present evidence. A trial tech specialist or hot seat operator conducts and manages this technology to ensure a smooth trial presentation, displaying graphics, documents, video, etc. at the right moments.

Trial technician

A person responsible for the technical setup and operation of equipment in the courtroom.

Trial technology consultant

An expert who advises legal teams on the best technology and strategies for presenting evidence. This includes recommending software, setting up courtroom tech, and ensuring that exhibits are easily accessible during the trial.

Venn Diagram

A form of data visualization that visually represents overlapping ideas, such as shared traits between different testimonies or expert opinions.

Verdict

The formal decision made by a judge or jury on the issues in a case. In criminal cases, it determines guilt or innocence; in civil cases, it decides liability and, if applicable, damages.

Videography

Videos can offer dynamic evidence such as surveillance footage, deposition videos, or accident recreations, adding context and realism to the case.

Visual aid

Includes charts, diagrams, photos, and animations used to clarify or emphasize key points during trial, making the lawyer’s argument stronger and more clear.

Visual communication

Visual communication refers to the use of visual elements to convey information or ideas. This includes a wide range of mediums like digital or print graphics, images, symbols and icons, and videos and animations. Visual elements make complex information more understandable, engaging, and memorable. Visuals can be especially powerful in marketing, education, and branding, due to the brain’s ability to process visual stimuli very quickly.

Visual storytelling

Telling a story through visuals (timelines, reenactments, evidence flow) helps organize the case’s facts in a coherent and compelling way, guiding the jury through the narrative.

White space

Adequate white space in trial graphics makes information more digestible and helps prevent confusion, allowing the jury to focus on critical details.

Witness examination

The process of questioning a witness to establish facts. In a trial, visual aids and technology (like deposition videos or real-time display of documents) are used to strengthen or clarify witness testimony.

Witness quotes

Key excerpts from witness testimony used to reinforce arguments. These quotes can be displayed in presentations, either textually or as audio/video clips, to add emphasis to important points.

NVG-Trial

Litigation Services Glossary

Trial Support Definitions