It’s not clear whether virtual reality headsets have been used in criminal trials anywhere, but Padowitz is accustomed to breaking ground on the use of computer animation in court. As a prosecutor in 1992, he was credited with the first use of two-dimensional computer animation to illustrate an expert witness’ testimony.
A Broward judge appeared to balk at the idea of allowing jurors in an upcoming attempted murder trial to use virtual reality goggles to immerse themselves in a 3-D animation showing the defendant’s perspective.
Circuit Judge Ernest Kollra did not rule on the motion filed by defense lawyer Ken Padowitz that would introduce the virtual reality technology to criminal courts in Broward for the first time. But he expressed concern that each juror would see something different based on where he or she turned his head.
Trial Lawyer Ken Padowitz and Judge Ernest Kollra try on Virtual Reality headsets in Court
Padowitz countered that jurors who physically visit crime scenes face the same issue, but crime scene visits are still allowed.
It’s not clear whether virtual reality headsets have been used in criminal trials anywhere, but Padowitz is accustomed to breaking ground on the use of computer animation in court. As a prosecutor in 1992, he was credited with the first use of two-dimensional computer animation to illustrate an expert witness’ testimony.
One view of the Animation that Attorney Ken Padowitz wants the Jury to view
Kollra did not say when he would rule on whether to allow the headsets.
Benjamin Siegel, Padowitz’s client, is accused of trying to kill his neighbor by running over him with his car. Padowitz said he’s planning a similar virtual-reality demonstration for an unrelated trial.
