Graphics may seem like a superfluous accessory to a presentation, but can they help lawyers win a court case? Keep reading to find out.
What Are Legal Graphics?
All graphics are not created equal. Infographics, branding, creative graphic design, vectorization, and legal graphics all serve vastly different purposes. For example, infographics are used as visualization for information and are best suited to educational environments whereas branding graphics create a visual cohesiveness within a company.
Legal graphics are different as well. Media in legal spaces must fit within a more rigorous set of standards. There can be no misleading information, incorrect depictions, or contradictory claims within the content, and it must be professionally researched. Because these standards exist, legal graphics must be compelling without using cheap tricks to distract from the information.
Visualization is Key
In any presentation, visuals are a key component of the case at hand. Most people are visual learners and retain visual information more quickly and for longer periods than any other form of information. In fact, studies show that presentations with visual components are 43% more persuasive than those without.
Whether the visual aid is three dimensional, animated, or static it contributes to a more interesting presentation. Not only do these visuals capture attention and boost retention, but they also inform understanding. Many people cannot understand blocks of information without visualization of their own making, or one provided to them.
Types of Legal Graphics
The term ‘graphics refers to a variety of visual depictions from typography to graphs or charts. In a legal context, graphics can be used to present evidence, show a sequence of events, or explain a detail within the case.
Legal graphics may include:
- Accident reconstruction
- Environmental predictions (in environmental cases)
- Aviation accident reconstructions
- Officer involved shooting sequences
- Demonstrations of moving machinery parts
- Sped up or slowed down audio or video evidence
- Organization of technical data
- And more
These graphics can reconstruct an accident that had no witnesses and provide context for alleged violent crimes. Using a legal graphic in a case can take the argument from hypothetical to practical and compel the court.
Benefits of Using Legal Graphics
Using legal graphics in a case can do many things including:
- Simplifying the complex: Cases with multiple parties or allegations require simplified explanations via diagrams, timelines, etc.
- Impact each phase of the trial process: In litigation and criminal trials, graphics can be used to illustrate evidence or provide context for events.
- Reinforce expert opinions: In cases where an expert takes the stand, a lawyer may use graphics to back up their claims either through recreations or visual data.
- Generate conversion: An argument with visual aids is more likely to compel the audience toward one position.
Packaging Legal Graphics
Legal graphics are powerful tools, but every tool kit needs a toolbox. Creating consistency between each graphic makes it seem more like a part of a set – another element in the same argument. Branding, quality printing, and high-resolution digitalization make legal graphics more relatable and more effective.
Contact Acro Photo Print Inc. and create a legal graphic portfolio for your next case.