![]() Since the rules for electronic exhibits vary by jurisdiction, paralegals should read the local rules and contact the clerk’s office for specific information about electronic exhibits. These courts have adopted procedures for accepting electronic exhibits provided that the exhibit confirms to the allowable file type set forth by the court. Most courts have recognized the necessity of submitting and viewing electronic exhibits at trial. (Copies can also be altered.) Although the opposing side may object, a printed copy of an electronic document generally does not get far if you are prepared.Īdditionally, printing may not be necessary. Also remember that prating an electronic document is no different than making a copy of a paper document. Some attorneys may object, claiming they have no way of refuting the document’s authenticity arguing that it could have been changed prior to printing…so ensure your side is prepared to produce the original electronic copy. You may have to print some electronic documents to introduce them as exhibits at trial. Attach copies of the exhibit to the original so that you can quickly distribute the copies when the exhibit is accepted into evidence. The original exhibit will be offered into evidence so you will need a copy for your attorney and a copy for each member of the opposing counsel. You should have a minimum of three copies of each exhibit. Create a master index of each exhibit including the author/source, date, type and short description to identify the exhibit. You should place “Exhibit” stickers on each exhibit so that the court reporter does not need to take time to do this at trial. This is the first step in preparing exhibits for trial. ![]() However, as the paralegal, it is your job to have all potential evidence organized and ready to produce should the attorney decide he wants to use it as evidence at the trial. Only those items that the court deems as relevant will be marked as evidence and placed into evidence. Not all documents presented as evidence will be marked as an exhibit. What Are The Best Practices For Preparing Exhibits For Trial?Įxhibits include documents, photographs, physical objects, emails, text messages, audio tapes and videos. He loses the attention of the jury as he tries to locate the evidence and it may be difficult to regain the same momentum he had prior to stalling. Nothing will disrupt the flow of a case like an attorney who fumbles to locate the evidence he wishes to present as evidence. ![]() When an attorney is well organized and efficient, he appears more credible to the jury.įor large cases, there could be hundreds of exhibits consisting of thousands of pages of documents that must be organized in an effective and precise system to ensure that each exhibit is easy to find when the attorney needs it. One of the keys to ensuring that the trial goes smoothly from your side of the courtroom is the preparation of trial exhibits. You have worked for months or years gathering evidence, documenting witness statements and processing discovery requests in preparation for one thing - the trial.
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