Evidentiary Use of Novel Computer-Generated Animation Upheld in Pennsylvania

See

Society has become increasingly dependent upon computers in business and in our personal lives. With each technological advancement, the practice of law becomes more sophisticated and, commensurate with this progress, the legal system must adapt. Courts are facing the need to shed any technophobia and become more willing to embrace the advances that have the ability to enhance the efficacy of the legal system.

Id

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court recently took up this mantle in Serge, a criminal appeal involving the Commonwealth’s use of computer-generated animation (CGA) in a murder trial. Though Serge was a criminal action, the issue it addresses -- the standard for admitting CGAs at trial -- is certainly relevant to product liability litigation, as product manufacturers often use CGAs at trial to illustrate expert testimony (such as testimony relating to automobile accident