Which statement best describes when you may use a demonstrative aid?

Which statement best describes when you may use a demonstrative aid?

• A. We will not use any demonstrative aids.
• B. Please hand the demonstrative aid to the judge.
• C. Demonstrative aids are forbidden.
• D. Your Honor, we request your permission to use a demonstrative aid during our opening statement and closing argument.

Answer: (D)

Demonstrative aids can enhance understanding, but their use is controlled by the court and requires permission from the judge. The proper approach is to formally request permission, and to specify when you intend to use the aid, such as during your opening statement and closing argument. Saying, “Your Honor, we request your permission to use a demonstrative aid during our opening statement and closing argument,” shows that you respect the judge’s control of the courtroom and you’re using the aid at appropriate times to aid, not confuse or prejudice, the jury. Other options miss this essential protocol: one asserts you won’t use any aids, another suggests handing the aid to the judge instead of presenting it to the jury under permission, and another flatly bans demonstratives. None of those align with the required practice of obtaining the judge’s permission and clearly identifying when the aid will be used.

Demonstrative aids can enhance understanding, but their use is controlled by the court and requires permission from the judge. The proper approach is to formally request permission, and to specify when you intend to use the aid, such as during your opening statement and closing argument. Saying, “Your Honor, we request your permission to use a demonstrative aid during our opening statement and closing argument,” shows that you respect the judge’s control of the courtroom and you’re using the aid at appropriate times to aid, not confuse or prejudice, the jury.

Other options miss this essential protocol: one asserts you won’t use any aids, another suggests handing the aid to the judge instead of presenting it to the jury under permission, and another flatly bans demonstratives. None of those align with the required practice of obtaining the judge’s permission and clearly identifying when the aid will be used.