Forensic animation refers to the use of audio-visual simulations within a legal context. Most commonly in the form of computer generated 3D graphics, applications of forensic animation include virtual recreations of accidents and crime scenes.
Writing for expert law, Stuart Gold notes that there are in fact, two types of forensic animation, namely; descriptive forensic animation and scientific forensic animation. "Descriptive forensic animation illustrates the testimony of the expert. Scientific forensic animation takes actual dynamics and physics into account by the program itself."
Gold also makes the point that "Unlike animation created for the entertainment industry, the forensic process depends on the collaboration between the animator and a designated expert. It is often used to show something that couldn't be visualized in any other way."
Forensic Animation Video
Short video highlighting the various uses of forensic animation.
Quality Forensic Animation Links
National Public Radio: Talk of The Nation
Hosted by Ira Flatow this broadcast of Talk of the Nation discusses the medicolegal purposes and artistic merits of forensic animation.
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