Litigation

Trial Tip: Overhead Photos, Courtesy of Google Earth

By Evan Schaeffer

At the Trial Lawyer Resource Center, Ron Miller recommends using Google Earth for obtaining overhead photos of an accident scene. A commenter agrees--

The use of overhead photos to orient jurors to general geographic location of incidents and then the specific location of an accident was a helpful tip from one of our local multi-million dollar verdict plaintiff lawyers. Of course, he paid a pilot to take the photos.

In my last 3 trials, I've used Google Earth. Jurors love it and lean forward to look at the photos. They want to get oriented and know as much about the area as possible.

Another commenter brings up the issue of authentication. My advice: try a stipulation first.

Related posts:

1. "Foundational Questions for Photographs."

2. "Authenticating Exhibits Using Requests for Admissions: Two Methods."

3. "Stipulations That Will Streamline Trial."

Full post as published by The Illinois Trial Practice Blog on August 05, 2008 (boomark / email).