The application of 3D visualization of osteological trauma for the courtroom: A critical review

• We discuss the creation of 3D osteological evidence for courtroom presentation.
• We discuss the current digitizing techniques available.
• We evaluate the advantages and disadvantages for implementing 3D to court.

Osteological evidence cannot be taken into the courtroom due to its sensitive nature. Therefore, photographic images are used as a proxy to reduce the impact of such traumatic scenes. Although three-dimensional (3D) digitizing is currently being utilized in a range of disciplines, there are no standard practice guidelines that apply to the forensic sciences. That said, the use of 3D images within the courtroom has its advantages and is slowly being implemented within the court system. There is a clear need for visualizing osteological material within the courtroom and this paper discusses the techniques, application, advantages and considerations for this.