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Evidence Comes to Life with the Click of a Mouse

BY D. Chad McCoy
November 01, 2003

From humble beginnings in 1951 when the first blackboard was used in a courtroom, visual props have evolved in sophistication. The blackboard led to flip charts and photo enlargements, overhead projection, the playing of videotapes and now to the integration of sight and sound with electronic slide presentations.

While props in the courtroom provide razzle-dazzle to keep jurors attentive, they should never be overlooked in situations such as settlement conferences, mediations and arbitrations where strict evidentiary rules do not apply. Depending on the type of lawsuit, only one in 10 cases actually goes to trial, making it far more likely other methods of dispute resolution will be pursued. With more flexible boundaries for making persuasive arguments, these venues are ideal for electronic presentations. After all, litigators are storytellers and their goal is to present a compelling story to which the audience will respond. So, even if the audience is only comprised of the opposing side, a multi-media presentation can be an effective tool to underscore the strength of a case and leave a lasting impression.

There are several presentation software packages on the market, but the easiest to use and most readily available is Microsoft Corporation's PowerPoint software. The software allows a variety of visual and auditory techniques to be programmed into a presentation. For specific instructions, the National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) published a book titled, “PowerPoint For Litigators,” which outlines effective tools for trial, mediation, arbitration and appeals.

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