Author: Robert Dumitru
Committee: Game Committee
Date: 20/12/2023
Virtual reality tools in the legal world work like magic, enabling investigators to recreate crime scenes with precision using modeling and spatial mapping. XR(Augmented and Virtual Reality) enhances evidence displayed in court by adding a digital layer to the real world, allowing judges and jurors to see details and follow the sequence of events in an immersive and augmented manner.
Virtual Reality (VR) has the potential to make a judge’s job more dynamic and effective in several ways:
Walking Through Crime Scenes: Judges could be able to virtually step into the scene of a crime using VR. With 3D modeling, they can explore every detail, gaining a deeper understanding of the case they’re dealing with.
Seeing Evidence Come to Life: Instead of looking at static photos, judges can use VR to experience evidence in a more engaging way. It brings complex information to life, making it easier for judges to comprehend and make well-informed decisions.
Practice Makes Perfect: VR could provide a platform for judges to practice their skills in a virtual courtroom setting. This hands-on experience helps them navigate various scenarios, enhancing their ability to handle complex cases with confidence.
Bringing Witnesses Closer: Thanks to VR, witnesses can testify remotely in a virtual environment. This is especially helpful when dealing with sensitive cases or expert witnesses who aren’t physically present, reducing the need for extensive travel.
Breaking Down Barriers: VR breaks down geographical barriers by allowing judges to participate in virtual proceedings. This opens up possibilities for managing cases involving parties from different locations, making the legal process more accessible.
Visualizing Legal Data: Judges can use VR to visualize and analyze intricate legal data. This includes exploring timelines and relationships in a three-dimensional space, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the facts surrounding a case.
Embracing Empathy: In emotionally charged cases, VR can help judges connect on a deeper level. By immersing themselves in virtual environments that simulate the experiences of those involved, judges can gain a more empathetic perspective, influencing their decisions.
While the full integration of VR into the legal system is still evolving, these exciting possibilities highlight the potential for technology to enhance the human side of the judicial process.
We can also identify some downsides, such as the risk of exposing sensitive data and concerns about the security and cybersecurity of data. Technology is evolving rapidly, and at the same time, devices become obsolete from one year to another. The faster it evolves, the harder it is to keep it up to date. Identifying these risks and incorporating them into a long-term strategy is crucial.
If we look at Romania and other EU countries that are rapidly digitalizing, VR is gaining more ground in various areas such as construction, the environment, and education. Venturing into the legal field could be one of the next areas to explore, for sure.
It’s important to note that while these kinds of applications show promise, the widespread adoption of VR in the legal system may still be in its early stages, and the effectiveness of these technologies may vary. As technology continues to advance, the integration of VR into legal proceedings may become more commonplace.
In summary, virtual reality is a valuable tool in fighting against crime, offering solutions for crime scene analysis, officer training, forensic analysis, courtroom presentations, witness testimony, and data visualization in the field of law enforcement and criminal justice.
Sources:
https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/exploring-impact-virtual-and-augmented-reality-courts
https://www.ifourtechnolab.com/blog/ar-and-vr-modernizing-the-legal-sector-in-9-ways
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/augmented-reality-ar-virtual-vr-courtrooms-solidity-law