In a watershed moment for the American legal system, a court judge used VR in a criminal proceeding. The judge experienced a defense expert's recreation of the defendant’s perspective in the case of a wedding venue owner charged with aggravated assault. While groundbreaking, this approach raises questions about the reliability of VR evidence and concerns about accessibility, fairness, and cost barriers. VR reconstructions can cost tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, potentially creating inequality in access to justice.
Researchers at the University of South Australia conducted a study where participants viewed a crime scene either through photographs or via a VR simulation. The findings revealed that those who experienced the VR simulation had a significantly better recall of evidence placement and reached more consistent verdicts compared to those who viewed photographs. While this research is promising, the introduction of new methods or technologies in the courtroom always comes with complex challenges.
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