Visual Evidence

Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 2010, 17 (2), 149-154

6 Pages Posted: 13 Sep 2012

See all articles by Neal Feigenson

Neal Feigenson

Quinnipiac University - School of Law

Date Written: 2010

Abstract

Visual and other demonstrative evidence has become increasingly prevalent in American and other courtrooms in recent years. However, there have been relatively few experimental studies of the effects of this kind of evidence in legal settings. As a consequence, little is known about when and how it affects legal decision making. In this article, I survey the extant research, including studies of photographs, videos, computer animations, and PowerPoint displays. The research shows that visual evidence affects legal decisions in some circumstances but not in others. It also indicates that visual evidence sometimes enhances legal judgment by improving recall and understanding but sometimes impairs judgment by prompting undue emotional responses, cognitive and perceptual biases, and/or peripheral processing. The limitations of the research are discussed, and directions for future research are suggested.

Keywords: evidence, visual evidence, cognitive psychology, trial practice

Suggested Citation

Feigenson, Neal, Visual Evidence (2010). Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 2010, 17 (2), 149-154, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2145581

Neal Feigenson (Contact Author)

Quinnipiac University - School of Law ( email )

275 Mt. Carmel Ave.
Hamden, CT 06518
United States

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