Computer animation as demonstrative evidence: Does prior knowledge matter?

Abstract

Trials throughout the United States are now regularly using computer-animated displays as part of attorney trial presentations. This research investigated the persuasive effects of computer animation in the courtroom, using two civil personal injury death cases. For Study 1 (a car accident case) and for Study 2 (an oil drilling rig case), the animation had no effect on the verdict. In each study, an expert witness was presented that was well-qualified or poorly qualified, but with identical substantive testimony. There was no impact on verdicts for witness qualification. Results showed that when presented with an unfamiliar scenario, participants did not rely more on the visual evidence in making their verdict decision.