Forensic animation has grown in popularity, especially as a visual tool to help forensic investigators to visually depict an alleged crime , accident or a crime scene reconstruction. Because the facts of a case can be extremely complex and specifically related to fields of expertise such as weapons experts, accident reconstructionists, engineers, etc, the use of forensic animation helps investigators develop likely explanations of events.
To begin a forensic animation, facts must be compiled from as many sources as possible both investigative and scientific. Eyewitness accounts, photographs of the scene, statements from emergency responders and police detectives must be combined with reports from experts in relevant fields, such as weapons experts, engineers, scientists, forensic experts, etc. By combining all of the information from these sources it is possible to do a crime scene recreation or accident scene reconstruction.
Also used for something known as demonstrative evidence, 3D computer animation cannot be used to "prove" a case but, can be used to visually support the verbal testimony of an expert witness. Since the information they relay in court is often complicated and pertaining to a specific industry, legal animation is a tool used to help jurors understand and retain information presented by these witnesses.
Forensic animation is only as accurate as the verifiability of the data that was used to build them. Important details such as direction and speed of a vehicle prior to impact in a car crash for example, must be added to a long list of other important facts. Everything from the point of contact, to weather conditions, to reports from engineers who have studied tire tracks and the vehicles after impact can be important factors in the case and should be included in the forensic animations of the scene.
The testimony of expert witnesses must be the core of good forensic computer animation and authentication of the information used by these experts is paramount. Animations must be completed in plenty of time for the opposition to view, and the animator must also be prepped to possibly testify that the information presented is accurate and adheres to rules governing demonstrative evidence by state and local courts.
Because of our movie going experience with special effects, there is a pre-conceived notion that 3D animations are largely products of the animator's imagination. However, trained forensic animators spends as much as 70% of their project hours on tracking down and verifying the data they are using to re-create the scene. At each and every phase, from building the models and objects to the planned movement of those objects, and the environment they are shown in, every detail must relate and correspond directly with the investigative facts, eyewitness reports, photographs, and expert testimony.
When it comes to forensic animation, very little is left to imagination. Even if the animator is provided with few facts, if there are enough essential details they can use science, such as the laws of physics, or geometry to determine the rest.
3D animation should only be created for use in the courtroom under the following circumstances. It must adhere to and support testimony of expert witnesses and that expert should be involved in the creation of the animation in its planning stages. The use of the animation must be disclosed in advance of the trial date, with enough time for the opponent to cross examine the evidence. The animator must be an objective party that fairly and accurately has conveyed the evidence as dictated by the expert witnesses and litigators.
Changes always impact the cost so it is important to have the objectives clear from the beginning. Changing the point of view of the camera slightly does not impact the cost as much as adding new elements to a scene or changing the scene or location altogether.
To begin a forensic animation, facts must be compiled from as many sources as possible both investigative and scientific. Eyewitness accounts, photographs of the scene, statements from emergency responders and police detectives must be combined with reports from experts in relevant fields, such as weapons experts, engineers, scientists, forensic experts, etc. By combining all of the information from these sources it is possible to do a crime scene recreation or accident scene reconstruction.
Also used for something known as demonstrative evidence, 3D computer animation cannot be used to "prove" a case but, can be used to visually support the verbal testimony of an expert witness. Since the information they relay in court is often complicated and pertaining to a specific industry, legal animation is a tool used to help jurors understand and retain information presented by these witnesses.
Forensic animation is only as accurate as the verifiability of the data that was used to build them. Important details such as direction and speed of a vehicle prior to impact in a car crash for example, must be added to a long list of other important facts. Everything from the point of contact, to weather conditions, to reports from engineers who have studied tire tracks and the vehicles after impact can be important factors in the case and should be included in the forensic animations of the scene.
The testimony of expert witnesses must be the core of good forensic computer animation and authentication of the information used by these experts is paramount. Animations must be completed in plenty of time for the opposition to view, and the animator must also be prepped to possibly testify that the information presented is accurate and adheres to rules governing demonstrative evidence by state and local courts.
Because of our movie going experience with special effects, there is a pre-conceived notion that 3D animations are largely products of the animator's imagination. However, trained forensic animators spends as much as 70% of their project hours on tracking down and verifying the data they are using to re-create the scene. At each and every phase, from building the models and objects to the planned movement of those objects, and the environment they are shown in, every detail must relate and correspond directly with the investigative facts, eyewitness reports, photographs, and expert testimony.
When it comes to forensic animation, very little is left to imagination. Even if the animator is provided with few facts, if there are enough essential details they can use science, such as the laws of physics, or geometry to determine the rest.
3D animation should only be created for use in the courtroom under the following circumstances. It must adhere to and support testimony of expert witnesses and that expert should be involved in the creation of the animation in its planning stages. The use of the animation must be disclosed in advance of the trial date, with enough time for the opponent to cross examine the evidence. The animator must be an objective party that fairly and accurately has conveyed the evidence as dictated by the expert witnesses and litigators.
Changes always impact the cost so it is important to have the objectives clear from the beginning. Changing the point of view of the camera slightly does not impact the cost as much as adding new elements to a scene or changing the scene or location altogether.
About the Author:
To learn more about trial graphics, stop by the TMBA, Inc. studio where you can find out all about forensic animation and legal presentation graphics.
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