NCJ Number
116488
Journal
Case and Comment Volume: 94 Issue: 2 Dated: (March-April 1989) Pages: 29-30,32
Date Published
1989
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Videotapes and films of confessions, objects of surveillance, and other subjects are increasingly being used as evidence and can help justify higher settlements than the basic facts of a case might support provided that certain guidelines are followed to ensure the admissibility of the material.
Abstract
These tapes should come close to matching the quality of videotapes seen at home; elaborate lighting or special effects are unnecessary. In addition, editing and reediting should be done on copies, because the original materials will probably be subpoenaed. Factors to consider include the type of film, the format to use, and the decision regarding whether to use film or tape. It is also important to avoid presenting material out of context, because this can harm the client's case. In addition, an expert should be hired to analyze any film created by the opposition. Cases in which films have been used successfully involved a traffic accident involving two deaths and a crippling at an intersection and the exposion of a freight train carrying bombs. These and other cases show that a well-crafted film speaks for itself and has an authority that establishes credibility for most people.