Charts and graphs are among the most persuasive of the array
of visuals you have available to you to bring your case home to jurors. As
old-school as they may seem, well done charts/graphs can sometimes have more
impact than hi-tech options.
Here’s a great example, created by the Prison Policy Organization.
The chart explains itself. You hardly need any words to
point out the higher USA incarceration rate. It’s a brilliant visual
translation of a concept (“off the chart”).
What else is right with this chart?
- It only expresses one idea; the
high USA incarceration rate.
- It is uncluttered; the bars and
numbers tell the story, no need for icons.
- It follows the logical order
people are used to; low numbers on the bottom to high numbers on the top.
- “Bold” font is used only for the
title of the chart and the numbers, so people’s eyes are drawn to what is most
relevant. They don’t have to figure out what’s the pertinent information, which
happens most often when too many words/numbers are bolded.
- A single color is used for the
bars, which highlights the importance of the longest bar. If different colors
were used for the different countries, for example, the chart would lose some
of its startling clarity.
