Reading ComprehensionDifficulty: Easy

PT122 S3 P1 Q2 Explanation

Court Computer Displays

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

TopicsOrganizationLaw

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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

Organization

Your task

Pin down exactly what the question asks about the passage — a detail, the author's view, the structure, or the main point — before looking at the choices.

Common trap

Answers that restate a true detail from the passage but don't answer the specific question being asked.

Winning move

Anticipate the answer in your own words from the passage, then find the choice that matches that prediction.

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

The question
2.

Which one of the following most accurately describes the organization of

Answer choices

  1. Bad 1st and 3rd Ingredient7% picked this

    The popularity of a new technology is lamented; criticisms of the technology are voiced; corrective actions to stem

    The last ingredient here is somewhat tempting, because the passage ends with "recommended corrective actions". However, the author isn't trying to stem (i.e. reduce) the use of computer displays. She's trying to reduce the misuse of computer displays. So the last ingredient, upon closer inspection, doesn't work. And the first ingredient is way off, since the author doesn't start off the passage by lamenting. In fact the first paragraph covers the positive aspects of computer displays.

  2. Bad 2nd and 3rd Ingredient0% picked this

    A new technology is endorsed; specific examples of its advantages are offered; ways to take further advantage of

    The last ingredient is a pretty bad match, so much so that we might not ever read the rest of this answer choice. The final paragraph is about ways to avoid misuse of a technology. Could we stretch that to mean "ways to take further advantage of the technology?" Maybe, if we had to, but that's a clear distortion. The 2nd ingredient is the starkest mismatch, since the 2nd paragraph is about the potential disadvantages / problems with the new technology, and this answer is saying we got specific examples of its advantages.

  3. Bad Last Ingredient1% picked this

    A new technology is presented as problematic; specific problems associated with its use are discussed; alternative uses of

    The last paragraph is "ways to avoid misuse of the new technology", not "alternative uses of the new technology".

  4. Correct90% picked this

    A new technology is introduced as useful; potential problems associated with its use are identified; recommendations for preventing

    Why this is right

    This has the most lovable final ingredient, "ways to avoid misuse" = "recommendations for preventing problems". The first ingredient matches the positive tone of the first paragraph, in which the author discusses the upsides of computer displays. The second ingredient matches the critics in the second paragraph, who warn us of potential problems.

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

  5. Bad Last Ingredient2% picked this

    A new technology is described in detail; arguments for and against its use are voiced; recommendations for promoting the widespread use

    The final paragraph is about recommendations for steps we can take to minimize the misuse of a new technology. But this says it's steps we can take "to promote the widespread use of the technology". That's a big enough stretch that given (D), which lines up perfectly, we shouldn't feel the need to be too charitable.

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