3D Modelling for Criminal & Civil Litigation

Using a 3D model of a crime or incident scene in criminal and civil litigation offers several advantages that can significantly enhance the understanding of the judge and jury, providing them with a more accurate and immersive depiction of the scene than what photos and videos alone can achieve. Here's how:

Spatial Awareness and Perspective:

A 3D model allows for the exploration of the scene from multiple angles and perspectives, giving a comprehensive view of the environment where the incident took place. This spatial awareness helps in understanding the positioning of objects and individuals, distances between them, and the layout of the surroundings, which can be critical in assessing claims and testimonies.

Interactive Exploration:

Unlike static photos or videos, a 3D model can be interactively explored during a trial. This means that jurors can examine specific areas of interest in detail, such as the point of entry in a break-in or the position of evidence within a room. Interactive exploration aids in clarifying complex scenarios and can lead to a deeper understanding of the facts.

Reconstruction of Events:

3D models can be used to reconstruct events, showing the movements of individuals and changes in the scene over time. This dynamic representation can be crucial in visualising scenarios that are difficult to convey through words or static images, such as the trajectory of a moving vehicle or the sequence of actions during an altercation.

Eliminating Ambiguities:

Photos and videos can sometimes create ambiguities due to limited angles, poor lighting, or lack of context. A 3D model, on the other hand, can be designed to minimise such issues, presenting a clear and unambiguous representation of the scene.

Enhanced Engagement:

A more vivid and interactive presentation of evidence can help engage the judge and jury better, making them more attentive and receptive to the details of the case. This heightened engagement can lead to more informed deliberations and decisions.

Educational Tool: For complex cases involving technical details, such as architectural faults in a civil litigation or the mechanics of a car accident, a 3D model can serve as an educational tool, breaking down complicated concepts into understandable visuals.

Psychological Impact:

The immersive nature of a 3D model can have a stronger psychological impact, making the reality of the event more palpable. This can influence the perception of the severity or the nature of the incident, potentially swaying judgments based on a more profound understanding of the circumstances.

Evidence Integration:

3D models can integrate various forms of evidence, including photos, videos, and forensic data, into a cohesive whole. This integration provides a holistic view of the evidence, allowing for a more thorough and systematic examination of the case.

By offering a detailed, interactive, and comprehensive visualisation of the scene, 3D models can play a pivotal role in both criminal and civil litigation, enhancing the clarity, engagement, and fairness of judicial proceedings.

Email: info@vanlawrence.co.nz