**Title: Revolutionizing the Courtroom: The Impact of 3D-Printed Evidence**
In a groundbreaking trial lasting eight weeks, the outcome hinged on an unlikely ally – a 3D-printed skull. This skull, meticulously crafted to replicate the injuries sustained by victim Frazer Brabant, played a pivotal role in helping the pathologist present the evidence to the jury. Produced by the University of Portsmouth’s School of Mechanical and Design Engineering in collaboration with Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Imaging Unit, this remarkable piece of technology provided the jury with a tangible representation of the trauma inflicted upon the victim.
The journey towards the creation of this 3D-printed skull began with the transformation of CT scan data into a digital model. Dr. Morgan Lowther, an esteemed member of the university’s mechanical engineering department, then brought this model to life using PLA printing technology. To ensure its stability during court presentations, an internal scaffold was carefully integrated into the design. The image below captures the intricate process of the skull’s creation, with a Prusa machine shaping it layer by layer.
Brabant, a victim of a brutal attack in 2019, tragically succumbed to his severe head injuries after a prolonged hospital stay. Subsequent investigations unveiled a grim reality – he had suffered multiple strikes from a sharp-edged weapon. The recent verdict at Winchester Crown Court sentenced four men to life imprisonment for murder, while a fifth received a six-year sentence for conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm. The profound impact of the 3D model on the jury’s comprehension of the gravity of the attack cannot be overstated, as expressed by Dr. Lowther.
This collaboration between the police force and the University of Portsmouth marks a historic milestone – the successful introduction of 3D-printed evidence in a court of law. It opens new possibilities, heralding a paradigm shift in the criminal justice system. The synergy between academic institutions and law enforcement agencies is set to play an increasingly influential role, shedding new light on complex scenarios for juries.
The growing trend of incorporating 3D artifacts in courtrooms is indicative of an evolving landscape, where tangible evidence assumes a central position in the pursuit of justice. By harnessing the power of three-dimensional printing technology, we are revolutionizing the way evidence is presented and understood in courts. The implications of this development transcend the bounds of this particular trial, bearing the potential to reshape future legal proceedings.
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Source: port.ac.uk
“Why did the 3D printer go to therapy? Because it had too many layers of unresolved issues!”
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