Persuasive Use of Creative Demonstrative Evidence
This program explores how criminal defense lawyers can use demonstrative evidence to make complex facts clearer, more memorable, and more persuasive to jurors. The presentation explains that jurors often interpret testimony differently depending on their background, attention, and expectations, which means spoken words alone may not communicate the defense message effectively. By adding visual and sensory elements—such as diagrams, models, photographs, and other demonstrative tools—lawyers can help jurors better understand the defense theory and connect the evidence to the client’s story of innocence.
The program provides practical strategies for developing effective demonstrative evidence even with limited resources. The materials discuss how simple tools—such as diagrams, photo enlargements, slides, models, or everyday objects—can illustrate key facts, clarify witness testimony, and highlight weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Examples include using diagrams to walk jurors through a crime scene, visual comparisons to expose inconsistencies in testimony, and physical demonstrations that help jurors grasp quantities, distances, or other details that might otherwise remain abstract. These techniques allow defense lawyers to reinforce important points visually rather than relying solely on argument.
Defense lawyers who watch this program will gain practical ideas for integrating demonstrative evidence into every stage of trial—from witness examination to closing argument. The training emphasizes that effective demonstrations do not need to be expensive or technologically complex; many of the most persuasive techniques rely on simple, creative presentations that appeal directly to jurors’ senses. By learning how to present evidence in ways that jurors can see, hear, and experience, defense attorneys can strengthen their storytelling, improve juror comprehension, and make their defense theory more compelling in the courtroom.
Stephen Lindsay is the Senior Partner in the law firm Lindsay Law, PLLC in Asheville, North Carolina. The firm has offices in Asheville, North Carolina, Franklin, North Carolina and in New Orleans, Louisiana. The firm concentrates its practice I the areas of criminal defense in both state and federal courts, significant personal injury cases, Title IX on educational campuses and general civil litigation. Steve is a graduate of Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina (B.S. with Honors 1982) with a degree in the Administration of Justice and the University of North Carolina School of Law (J.D. with Honors 1985). A faculty member for the National Criminal Defense College, Steve dedicates several weeks a year teaching and lecturing for various legal organizations, trial skills programs and other bar associations both within and outside of the United States. His publications include “Cross Examination in Capital Cases: May I have some ... uh ... sprinkles. Yes, some sprinkles,” THE CHAMPION (April 2001); “Storytelling: Why We Do It and How To Do It Better,” THE CHAMPION (December 1999); “Do You Hear What I Hear? Demonstrative Evidence Makes A Difference,” THE CHAMPION (June 1998); "Prosecutorial Abuse of Peremptory Challenges in Death Penalty Cases," Campbell University Law Review, Fall, 1985 (cited by United States Supreme Court in Gray v. Mississippi, 481 U.S. 648, n. 19 (1987); Trial and appellate counsel in United States v. Ross & Silvers, 844 F.2d 187 (4th Cir. 1988) used as Key Case for "What Constitutes 'Counterfeit' Obligation or Security of United States Within Statutory Provisions Setting Forth Criminal Penalty for Uttering or Dealing in Counterfeit Obligations or Securities," 99 A.L.R. Fed. 243 (1990). In his spare time, Steve enjoys playing golf, reading good books, fishing, doing crossword puzzles, listening to good music, watching good movies, and cooking good meals.
CLE State Accreditation
- General 1.00
- General CLE-AL: 1.00
- General CLE-WY: 1.00
- General CLE-HI: 1.00
- General CLE-GA: 1.00
- General CLE-SD: 1.00
- General CLE-NY: 1.20
- General CLE-CA: 1.00
- General CLE-PA: 1.00
- General CLE-IL: 1.00
- General CLE-MT: 1.00
- General CLE-AK: 1.00
- General CLE-MD: 1.00
- General CLE-NM: 1.00
- General CLE-VT: 1.00
- General CLE-MA: 1.00
- General CLE-DC: 1.00
- General CLE-ND: 1.00
- General CLE-OR: 1.00
- General CLE-WA: 1.00
- General CLE-CT: 1.00
- General CLE-NH: 1.00
- General CLE-FL: 1.20
- General CLE-VI: 1.00
- General CLE-AZ: 1.00
CLE State Accreditation:
- General 1.00
- General CLE-AL: 1.00
- General CLE-WY: 1.00
- General CLE-HI: 1.00
- General CLE-GA: 1.00
- General CLE-SD: 1.00
- General CLE-NY: 1.20
- General CLE-CA: 1.00
- General CLE-PA: 1.00
- General CLE-IL: 1.00
- General CLE-MT: 1.00
- General CLE-AK: 1.00
- General CLE-MD: 1.00
- General CLE-NM: 1.00
- General CLE-VT: 1.00
- General CLE-MA: 1.00
- General CLE-DC: 1.00
- General CLE-ND: 1.00
- General CLE-OR: 1.00
- General CLE-WA: 1.00
- General CLE-CT: 1.00
- General CLE-NH: 1.00
- General CLE-FL: 1.20
- General CLE-VI: 1.00
- General CLE-AZ: 1.00