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Demonstrative Evidence: Admissibility of Computer- Animated Reenactments in Federal Courts

NCJ Number
151719
Journal
Trial Volume: 30 Issue: 9 Dated: (September 1994) Pages: 78-83
Author(s)
R Simmons; J D Lounsbery
Date Published
1994
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article discusses Federal rules and case law governing the admission of computer-animated reenactment (CAR), a type of visually enhanced demonstrative evidence that is based on other evidence previously or concurrently admitted.
Abstract
There is little case law addressing whether and when CAR will be admitted as evidence in Federal court. However, some cases summarized here illustrate the diverse courtroom applications for computer-generated evidence and highlight common objections to its use. Admission of CAR into evidence in Federal courts involves two steps, the first of which is to lay an adequate foundation by establishing the authenticity and relevance of the evidence; the second step is to satisfy a balancing test standard by convincing the judge that CAR's probative value is not outweighed by probable prejudicial effects on the jury. 17 notes

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