Here are some key purposes:
* Making complex information easier to understand: For example, a diagram might be used to show the layout of a crime scene, or a model of a vehicle could help explain how an accident occurred.
* Visually supporting testimony: Demonstrative evidence can help jurors visualize what witnesses are describing, making their testimony more impactful.
* Explaining technical concepts: It can help explain complex medical procedures, financial transactions, or engineering designs in a way that is understandable to the jury.
Examples of demonstrative evidence include:
* Diagrams: Maps, floor plans, sketches of accident scenes.
* Models: Scale models of buildings, vehicles, or objects.
* Photographs and videos: Photos of injuries, crime scenes, or the accident itself.
* Charts and graphs: To represent data and trends visually.
* Animations: To depict how events unfolded, like a car crash or a medical procedure.
* PowerPoint presentations: Can be used to present evidence in a structured and organized manner.
Important points to remember:
* Demonstrative evidence must be relevant to the case and authentic.
* It should be accurate and not misleading.
* It's not admissible on its own, but must be supported by other evidence.
Overall, demonstrative evidence is a powerful tool that can be used to clarify, simplify, and make evidence more persuasive in a legal setting.