3D-printed models in the courtroom: mock-jurors’ perceptions and experiences of 3D-printed models of human skeletal remains

Abstract

The use of 3D-printed models of skeletal remains has notably enhanced jurors’ comprehension of forensic evidence and skeletal trauma, enabling clearer interpretations and diminishing the confusion associated with expert terminology. However, the hands-on tactile sensory engagement with these highly realistic 3D-printed models of human remains could be more distressing than traditional passive modalities. In the first study, to qualitatively examine jurors’ perceptions of 3D-printed skeletal remains as evidence, mock-juror participants read a written summary of a murder trial before interacting with an accurate 3D-printed model of a real murder victim’s skull showing evidence of gunshot trauma. The deliberations were audio-recorded and subjected to reflective inductive semantic thematic analysis, which identified four critical themes: ‘Realistic and creepy’, ‘Overcoming uncomfortableness’, ‘Illustrative tool’ and ‘A piece of the puzzle’. The findings revealed that 3D-printed models have an emotional impact on jurors and indicate that caution should be exercised in their use in courts.