Forensics Journal - Stevenson University 2012 | Page 29

FORENSICS JOURNAL

sured sketch of a murder scene, and photo enhancements (Mancusi,
2000). However, the still photograph is the most common and effective example of demonstrative evidence. Still photographs provide the
jury with visual evidence of injuries that may have healed months or
years after the accident or murder occurred and before the trial has
begun. Modern computer-generated still photographs can show the
exact injury (Demonstrative Evidence - Further, n.d.).

THE IMAGE ENHANCEMENT PROCESS
Image enhancement is used on images obtained from bank surveillance photos, convenience store videos, parking lot surveillance
cameras, and unclear photographs of suspects. The artist scrubs photographs that are very dark, very light, scratched or damaged by using
graphics and photo retouching software such as Adobe PhotoShop,
MATLAB and FACES LE. Image enhancement can also be used as a
means of image manipulation. By using image enhancement, items
such as hats, hairstyles, mustaches, beards, glasses, earrings, tattoos,
and other accessories can be added to the photograph. When a photograph cannot be enhanced a sketch may be done. Several photos of
the same individual taken at different times and or angles allow the
artist to piece together different features of that individual.

Graphs and charts can be presented in a variety of ways and vividly
illustrate crucial elements of a case such as a timeline of events, a
decline in life expectancy, and past and future medical bills. Wellconstructed charts that make good use of color can also help a jury
arrange complex events in a chronological