Videotape depositions were first shown in court 50 years ago. Modern jurors expect to be informed with visual evidence, including day-in-the-life documentaries. Legal video, often more powerful than words alone, can backfire. Avoid pitfalls with these strategies of biblical proportions. Honor thy Audience. Think of the jurors when communicating with video, and be mindful of their informational needs and attention spans. The Medium is the Message. Choose the most persuasive and … [Read more...]
Legal Video Wills?
Is it legal to record your last Will and Testament on video? To be enforceable, Wills must be in writing and preferably signed in front of at least two witnesses. A video alone, without a properly executed document, is rarely allowed. However, there are still appropriate legal reasons to video a Will. When a parent disinherits a child, or an older gentleman leaves his entire estate to his young girlfriend, or an elderly lady leaves money to her cat, there is a good chance that the unhappy … [Read more...]
Video Drones for Legal Evidence?
If you awaken with a drone at your bedroom window, what should you do, call the police, call a lawyer, or just pull down the shade? In a recent criminal case, a video drone enabled police in South Dakota to find and arrest cattle rustlers. The surveillance occurred without a search warrant since the Supreme Court has ruled that anything visible from the air, even if above private property, can be subject to police spying. Drone usage has evolved from high tech hobby to legitimate commercial … [Read more...]
Sleeping Jurors at Video Depositions?
Jurors fall asleep every day in U.S. courts. In the federal perjury trial of baseball pitcher Roger Clemens’ steroid usage, two jurors were dismissed for falling asleep. The judge scolded the prosecutors and the defense lawyers for asking too many unnecessary questions and boring the jury. Imagine if they had to present a video deposition at that trial. Videos can be uninteresting “talking heads” that run too long, and cause drowsiness. If jurors doze off, is the video itself to blame? The … [Read more...]
Day in the Life Videos Pay
Getting seven figures for a catastrophic injury does not necessarily mean you got the full value of all damages claimed. Humanize the plaintiffs’ injuries, and emphasize their severity by portraying activities of daily living in ways words never will. A professionally produced Day in the Life video documentary increases the monetary value of the case, and informs the opposition as to what awaits at trial. And best of all, the video pays for itself. Expertly produced Day in the … [Read more...]