When people go to trial in court, it can sometimes be boring for jurors and people sitting in the courtroom, watching to find out what happened in the civil lawsuit. Some lawyers are exciting, while others are boring. Sometimes, the very nature of a case is uninteresting. Lawyers need to explain complex ideas so that everyone understands. One way to make court cases more interesting and easier to understand is through trial presentation and special preparation. For the most part, the more, the better. There are special terms that describe some of the things lawyers and their helpers do before, during and after a trial. Some of them are as follows:
Document Review
Lawyers always ask people to produce documents when they are involved in a civil court case. Someone needs to look at them before they are handed over to the other side to make sure that what has been requested is the most accurate information and that the other people are, in fact, entitled to have it. Some of them get stamps and stickers put on; others do not.
Video Synching
Witnesses that have their depositions taken in front of attorneys, a court stenographer and video cameras are under oath. New computer technology makes the video digital and the written record electronic. They can be combined for one audio-visual package.
Day-In-The-Life
When people are affected by a physical or emotional injury, the lawyers sometimes want to give jurors an understanding of what life is like at home for this person on an everyday basis. A legal videographer will put together a day-long video of typical activities and life-style adjustments that have occurred as a result of the incident.
Graphics
Statistical data should be jazzed up with graphics and computer-based presentation programs to help people better understand the information given. Examples are charts, graphs and maps.
War Room
During lengthy trials, both parties may “camp out” in special conference rooms at an office or hotel. These are affectionately dubbed war rooms. Two groups may relay their time spent in the courtroom and the war room, depending on which witnesses are testifying and which lawyers are questioning witnesses.
Opening and Closing Statements
When a trial starts and ends, the attorneys involved give a brief summary at the beginning and end of the case. This usually happens before and after the witnesses go to the stand for questioning. The statements presented by lawyers can be difficult to pay attention to or to understand. Sometimes they do all the talking; sometimes they bring in specially designed slides and photos to supplement their opening and closing statements.