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- Thu Jul 21, 2016 10:54 am
#27468
Passage Discussion
Paragraph One:
This passage begins with a presentation of facts from the author. Computer-generated visual displays are effective at recreating crime scenes, so they are becoming more widely used, in forms ranging from still pictures to complex simulations. These visual aids (soon available in 3-D) provide significant advantage, since people only retain 10% of what they hear, versus 85% of what they see, and trials are often complicated and uninteresting to jurors. Visual displays can be seamlessly integrated into a litigator’s presentation.
Paragraph Two:
Having outlined the benefits of these displays, the author turns to the subject of potential for abuse, shifting to the viewpoint of :some critics,” who warn that mesmerizing displays might throw off the jury’s reasoning abilities, especially in a long, boring trial. The critics are also concerned that these displays are potentially unfair when only presented on one side of the argument, since juries might tend to be prejudiced in favor of the side with the visual displays. Displays that require too much speculation would be unsuitable for trial.
Paragraph Three:
In this paragraph the passage shifts to the author’s viewpoint, that the following list of steps must be taken to avoid misuse:
The Viewpoints presented in this passage are those of “some critics urging caution,” (line 26) and the perspective of the author, who agrees with those critics about the need for prudence.
The Structure of this passage is as follows:
The main Argument in this passage is that these displays, though advantageous, should be used prudently in the court system to ensure equitability.
The Main Point of this passage is that these computer displays provide some advantage, but we must guard against their misuse.
Paragraph One:
This passage begins with a presentation of facts from the author. Computer-generated visual displays are effective at recreating crime scenes, so they are becoming more widely used, in forms ranging from still pictures to complex simulations. These visual aids (soon available in 3-D) provide significant advantage, since people only retain 10% of what they hear, versus 85% of what they see, and trials are often complicated and uninteresting to jurors. Visual displays can be seamlessly integrated into a litigator’s presentation.
Paragraph Two:
Having outlined the benefits of these displays, the author turns to the subject of potential for abuse, shifting to the viewpoint of :some critics,” who warn that mesmerizing displays might throw off the jury’s reasoning abilities, especially in a long, boring trial. The critics are also concerned that these displays are potentially unfair when only presented on one side of the argument, since juries might tend to be prejudiced in favor of the side with the visual displays. Displays that require too much speculation would be unsuitable for trial.
Paragraph Three:
In this paragraph the passage shifts to the author’s viewpoint, that the following list of steps must be taken to avoid misuse:
- 1. Lawyers must avoid of computer visual displays by analyzing and disclosing data used, and judges must prohibit prejudicial displays and analyze admissible ones.
2. Judges should forewarn jurors of the potential for bias.
3. Computer displays should be accessible to both sides; financial aid may ensure this.
The Viewpoints presented in this passage are those of “some critics urging caution,” (line 26) and the perspective of the author, who agrees with those critics about the need for prudence.
The Structure of this passage is as follows:
- Paragraph One: Introduce the concept of computer-generated visual displays, and discuss several advantages associated with their seamless presentation and visual nature.
Paragraph Two: Discuss the disadvantages, including potential for abuse, potential to prejudice the jury, and potentially speculative basis for some such displays.
Paragraph Three: Provide three steps that must be taken to avoid misuse of the displays: analyze the data, prohibit prejudicial use, forewarn juries, and allow access to both sides.
The main Argument in this passage is that these displays, though advantageous, should be used prudently in the court system to ensure equitability.
The Main Point of this passage is that these computer displays provide some advantage, but we must guard against their misuse.