Demonstrative Evidence in Criminal Trials

Snoop Dogg was acquitted of murder in Los Angeles through the use of computer-generated animation demonstrative evidence. In Louisiana, a prosecutor committed reversible error by encouraging an expert witness to put a turkey in a clothes dryer to simulate a babysitter killing a baby.

Accomplished prosecutor and bestselling author Morley Swingle uses real cases from his vast experience combined with trials from around the country to explain the complexities involved in presenting demonstrative evidence or fighting against it in a criminal trial.

In this highly readable and often entertaining book, Swingle, a veteran trial lawyer with 178 jury trials and 111 homicide cases under his belt, explains how to admit or defend against demonstrative evidence, from traditional exhibits like photographs, diagrams, maps, models, charts, summaries and courtroom demonstrations, to newer types of demonstrative evidence such as computer-generated reenactments of violent crimes, riveting presentations of cell phone location records, or training videos explaining any type of scientific testing by an expert.

“Morley Swingle, a veteran prosecutor and award-winning author, has gathered hundreds of examples of demonstrative evidence. Any trial lawyer who reads this excellent resource will no doubt come up with creative ideas to use in his or her own cases. This helpful volume should be on the bookshelf of every trial lawyer, from baby lawyers to courtroom veterans, whether practicing criminal or civil law. It will make you a better trial lawyer.”
— Scott Rosenblum