Reading ComprehensionDifficulty: Medium

PT122 S3 P1 Q1 Explanation

Court Computer Displays

A free, expert breakdown of this official LSAT Reading Comprehension question.

TopicsMain PointLaw

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Passage

The use of computer-generated visual displays in courtrooms is growing as awareness of their ability to recreate crime scenes spreads. Displays currently in use range from still pictures in series that mimic simple movement to sophisticated simulations based on complex applications of rules of physics and mathematics. By making it possible to generally low. In addition, computers also allow litigators to integrate graphic aids seamlessly into their presentations.

Despite these benefits, however, some critics are urging caution in the use of these displays, pointing to a concomitant potential for abuse or unintentional misuse, such as the unfair manipulation of a juror’s impression of an event. These critics argue further that the persuasive and richly communicative nature of the displays can and speculation, the displays may in some instances constitute evidence unsuitable for use in a trial.

To avoid misuse of this technology in the courtroom, practical steps must be taken. First, counsel must be alert to the ever-present danger of its misuse; diligent analyses of the data that form the basis for computer displays should be routinely performed and disclosed. Judges, who have the discretion to disallow displays financial aid in these circumstances would help create a more equitable legal arena in this respect.

What this question is testing

Main Point

Your task

Capture the passage's overall primary point — the claim everything else supports.

Common trap

Answers that are true but too narrow (a single paragraph) or too broad (beyond the passage's scope).

Winning move

Summarize the whole passage in one sentence first, then match it to a choice.

Reading along? Open the full official question in LawHub — we show a fragment here and keep the reasoning in our own words.

The question
1.

Which one of the following most accurately states the main point of

Answer choices

  1. Correct78% picked this

    Those involved in court trials that take advantage of computer-generated displays as evidence need to take steps to prevent

    Why this is right

    This is our best match for the first sentence of the final paragraph. It addresses the central topic (computer-generated displays) and it reflects the author's purpose in writing about this topic (to provide solutions to potential problems created by this new technology).

    Skill tested: Main Point · how this choice captures the passage's function is the move to repeat next time.

  2. Too Neutral / Narrow4% picked this

    The use of computer-generated displays has grown dramatically in recent years because computer aids allow litigators to convey

    This answer sounds like the main point of the first paragraph, but it doesn't capture all the concerns raised by the critics or the any of the suggested remedies discussed by the author. If an author ends a passage by providing recommendations / prescriptions, then that is the main reason they wrote the passage. If they could only have the reader hear one thing, it would be their recommendation, not some background info on the problem.

  3. Too Strong: requires / most9% picked this

    The persuasive nature of computer-generated displays requires that the rules governing the use of these displays be based on the

    The author's thesis does use language as strong as "must": to avoid misuse, practical steps must be taken. But she never says that the practical step is that we use the most sophisticated principles of jurisprudence. Neither 'jurisprudence' nor 'principles' are ever discussed in the passage.

  4. Too Strong: will result1% picked this

    Litigators’ prudent use of computer-generated displays will result in heightened jury comprehension of complex legal issues

    This is not at all a match for the first sentence of the last paragraph, but it's not too far from expressing something similar. We can imagine that "prudent use" of computer-generated displays would involve abiding by the practical steps the author is endorsing. But the difference is this: Main Point - To avoid getting divorced, you must do X. This answer - Assuming people do X they will have happy marriages. Our author is conservatively optimistic about computer displays, but is definitely sobered by the potential for their misuse. The author lays out some factors she thinks we need to pay attention to in order to avoid misuse. This answer paints the author's tone way too optimistically, that "prudent use will result in better jury comprehension and fairer trials".

  5. Too Strong: eliminated / intentional8% picked this

    Any disadvantages of computer-generated visual displays can be eliminated by enacting a number of practical procedures to

    Like (D), this answer suggests that the steps described in the last paragraph are sufficient to avoid misuse, but the author has identified them as necessary. This answer is saying "All disadvantages can be eliminated". The author never sounded that confident. She was more like, "You're right -- critics. This new technology could be a minefield of potential issues. We need to make sure we take these steps so that we can hopefully minimize misuse." Also, it's weird when this answer specifies intentional misuse, because some of the potential concerns did not involve anyone intentionally trying to mess with the integrity of a trial. For example, if one lawyer uses the technology and the other one doesn't, we're worried that a juror may be biased towards the side with the technology. None of that is happening because anyone is intentionally misusing the technology; it's just an inherent risk with the use of the technology.

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