CASE LIBRARY

Ever had issues with missing image files and/or incorrect path mappings when copying files from your firm’s server to your trial laptop? You’re not the only one. Even seasoned consultants sometimes have image linkage issues. InData put their best foot forward in Version 6.0 to offer an easy fix to these types of issues. With the Pack & Go feature, a step-by-step wizard guides you through copying everything in your case and moving it to another location.  It even double-checks for missing files.

Version 6.0 also offers two additional types of workbooks in its Case Library (now viewable through the Document Manager module). The Carousel Workbook has an iTunes library style look for a different type of presentation appearance. However, the greatest addition is the new Multiplayer Workbook which allows the back to back playback of multiple video clips from different depositions/volumes without having to load each clip individually. This is a great feature for depositions that span multiple days, for non-deposition video clips that you want to play consecutively, or if you want to create a slide show type presentation for documents.

DOCUMENT MANAGER

The most noticeable change to the Document Manager is its appearance. The Grid View is back. If you are like me, an original Trial Director (version 4) user, you will remember, with fondness, the grid view. It was removed in version 5.0 but, back by popular demand, and can be found in version 6.0.

The grid view allows you to sort the exhibits by column (similar to Excel) and also allows you to print the actual grid view itself. This is helpful if you want to provide a list of exhibits/documents you have loaded into your case to your client.

The image de-skewer has been updated, although it’s not a huge improvement in my opinion. De-skewing an image is now a manual process allowing the user to have input on the deskewing process. Auto deskew is still available in Presentation Preferences.

TRANSCRIPT MANAGER

The transcript manager looks very similar to previous versions; however, the most changes were made to this portion of the software.

The Clip Creation process has been completely revamped. Within the Clip Editor you can create a new clip or open an existing clip for edits. You can also now rename an existing clip within the clip editor interface. Edits to the beginning/end of clips is now done completely through the waveform editor (a definite drawback in my opinion).

The greatest improvement to the Clip Editor is the ability to add and/or remove portions of a segment without having to completely re-create the entire segment. This can be a huge time saver. You can also now close the multi-player if you would like.

With respect to transcripts, searches can now be saved and named anyway you would like. The saved searches are now part of the “View By” items. Another added benefit is the ability to print the search results in detail or summary fashion.

CODING TAB

Not much has changed in the Coding module. One improvement is that search results can be sent to a workbook. Other than that, minor issues have been improved upon and a few bugs worked out.

PRESENTATION MODE

The most significant and visual differences were made to the Presentation module. Everything in Presentation Mode was built on new Windows technologies making it compatible with Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Mac Bootcamp. It also works with Windows 7 touch enabled computers.

So what makes Presentation Mode so different? Well, for starters, the toolbar is completely different – and, it can be detached so that only the end user can view it.

The dropdown folders menu now show the colors of the workbooks and allows you to use right and left arrow keys found on the folder to skip through the documents inside the folder (instead of having to use the “Item Launch” button).

The zoom tools now have 3D abilities which make blow outs very visually appealing.

Document handling is different in this version. You can scroll through documents, zoom across pages, and there is a scrollbar available on the right hand size of documents. You can also now zoom in on video and any annotation tool available with documents is available to use on video.

A big disappointment for us “pre-preparers” is that the layers feature has been removed. It has been replaced with a Save Stage feature which is a little more difficult to use and not as user friendly.

The Presentation Preferences area has also been completely re-designed. There are new themes for use in presentation mode and hotkeys are now customizable.

Overall, inData has made some great and necessary improvements. A few features have taken a step backward, and a few features have made their way back into the program after a long absence.

Without further ado, Download the Document Imaging for Trial Director guide here. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us!

Being a trial technology consultant has allowed me the opportunity to be in the courtroom more than the average trial lawyer. That experience has given me a unique perspective and keen insight on the evidence presentation techniques that jurors are most receptive to. Without fail, an attorney who use technology start with a leg up over the one who elects to present evidence using “old school” presentation techniques.

Statistics show that people remember 10% of what they hear, 20% of what they see, but an astounding 65% of what they see and hear. Jurors are no different. To effectively explain the facts and concepts of a case to a jury, a mixture of media is required. Examples of media mixture include:

• Live Testimony
• Video Testimony
• Video Impeachment
• Trial Exhibits (shown electronically on a projection screen)
• Demonstrative Aids (pass around to jury to allow them to touch)
• Timelines (on foam boards and/or shown electronically)
• Pictures (shown electronically)
• White Boards/Flip Charts (use with witnesses to create exhibits on the fly)
• On-the-Fly electronic creation of exhibits (using trial presentation software)

The use of technology and the mixture of media is not only a way to more effectively present the information to the jury, it also gives the jury insight into the client and its legal team. Putting together a seamless presentation requires preparation and a thorough knowledge of the case. Preparing demonstrative exhibits requires the attorney to learn the fine technical points of a case that are often overlooked when relying solely on witness testimony or hard copy trial exhibits. This resonates with juries. It shows preparation and skill on behalf of the trial team. This instills trust with the jury.

Technology is not limited to evidence presentation with witnesses. I strongly encourage my clients, when allowed by the Court, to use technology during their opening statement and closing argument. Even if un-admitted evidence is not allowed to be shown during opening, Judges will often times allow attorneys to use a PowerPoint presentation to outline their case. By putting together a few simple slides, the jury will see (read) and hear the points the attorney is articulating.