Reading Comprehension

PT122 · S3 · P1 · Q5 Court Computer Displays

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The use of computer-generated visual displays in courtrooms is growing as awareness of their ability to recreate crime scenes spreads.

Topic

The growing use of computer-generated visual displays in courtrooms—benefits, risks, and recommendations for fair use.

Framework

Problem / Solution

Main Point

While computer-generated displays can give litigators powerful advantages by making evidence more accessible and compelling for juries, they also pose risks of misuse and unfairness; therefore, practical steps must be taken to ensure accurate, equitable use in courtrooms. ( — first sentence of the last paragraph)

P1: The Rise and Advantages of Computer-Generated Displays

The paragraph explains how computer-generated visuals are changing how lawyers present cases. They make things clearer and more memorable for juries (like “being there”), especially in tricky or technical trials, because people remember pictures much better than words.

P2: Criticisms and Risks of Misuse

Here, the author points out that these displays can be abused or accidentally mislead juries, either by overwhelming their critical thinking with slick visuals or by giving one side an unfair advantage if the other can’t afford such technology. Plus, the displays mix data and speculation, which might not make them reliable evidence.

P3: Solutions and Safeguards

This paragraph proposes how to prevent abuse: lawyers should analyze and disclose the data behind displays, judges should carefully screen and explain the risks to jurors, and courts should ensure both sides have access to the technology, perhaps by offering financial assistance.

5.

The author states which one of the following about computer displays used in trial proceedings?

  1. Despite appearances, computer displays offer

    Too Strong: few advantages

    This is more or less contradicted by the 3rd sentence of the passage, in which the author says that, "computer displays provide litigators with tremendous explanatory advantages."

    1% picked this

  2. Most critics of computer-generated evidence

    Too Specific: most

    In the second paragraph, we hear about some critics of computer generated displays. The passage didn't make any generalizations about most critics. Even the some critics we heard from didn't talk about an absolute ban; they "urged caution in the use of these displays".

    0% picked this

  3. Correct

    Judges should forewarn jurors of

    Why this is right

    This is stated in the 3rd to last sentence of the passage: Similarly, judges should forewarn jurors of the potentially biased nature of computer-generated evidence. So weird, right? It's like the answer just straight up says what it said the passage. That's the beauty of question stems that say "the author states".

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

    90% picked this

  4. Computer displays are used primarily

    Too Strong: primarily

    The author at the end of the first paragraph, does mention that computer displays are especially valuable in technical trials, but that doesn't mean they are primarily used in technical trials. The latter expression means that the #1 type of trial where computer displays are used is technical trials. I could say that "mindfulness regimens" are especially valuable for people studying for the LSAT, but that doesn't mean that "Mindfulness breathing is used primarily by people studying for the LSAT". Even if LSAT students get more out of mindfulness than regular people do, there are so many more regular people out there, so most mindfulness breathers are still non-LSAT students. (There's also a subtle difference between saying jury interest is naturally low and saying it's generally low. The latter is just descriptive but the former is opinionated. For the author to say that it's natural for jury interest to be low, he's sort of condoning it empathetically. For the author to say that jury interest is generally low, he's not necessarily condoning it, just reporting it.)

    3% picked this

  5. Litigators who utilize computer-generated displays

    Unsupported: litigators must ensure

    It says something very close to this in the 2nd to last sentence of the passage, but it just says generically that "steps should be taken to ensure equal access". It never says that the burden of making sure falls on litigators. It might be up to the judge, or the courthouse audio-visual team.

    6% picked this

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