Since the 16th century, art has played a pivotal role in increasing the public’s accessibility to courtroom scenes. The beginnings of this intersection between law and art is connected to the popularity of various printing techniques such as engraving and lithography, as methods of printing that were amply available to be shared and published. This factor increased the significance of courtroom sketches as it allowed them to be viewed by a wider audience and thus increased their demand. Courtroom sketches are important in shaping public perception of the legal system and high-profile cases, making the work of courtroom artists an essential and respected facet of legal journalism.
Despite many technological advancements since then, courtroom sketches have remained a vital part of legal culture, aiding in bridging the gap between the public and those present in the trial. At times, artwork is able to capture the human nature of participants in a way that can be missing from still photographs. The image of a courtroom may rarely or, in fact, never depict the emotion present in both the room and on the defendant and/or lawyer’s face in the same way that an artist is able to. A photograph could depict the smiling face of the defendant yet it won’t capture the shakiness in their voice, an artist is able to communicate those subtleties.
The work of courtroom sketch artists may also be a more accurate reference of legal proceedings as compared to the media. It is very common for the media to focus on what garners attention, meaning they often choose to remain entertaining over presenting relevant information on the trial at hand, streaming a funny or wholesome moment of the trial which actually doesn’t speak to the direction of the case whatsoever. Whereas artists are forced to choose a single moment to rely on as a reference of the day’s outcome, increasing their concentration on what they are choosing to convey to the public. This is usually a much more meticulous selection process than that of sifting through images and videos.
Although there are still some courtroom dramas in which we must rely entirely on courtroom art, this is particularly true in high-profile cases involving celebrities or notorious crime families, where judges may restrict media access to preserve the dignity of the court or protect sensitive information. In these instances, courtroom artists become the eyes of the public, their sketches offering a glimpse into the tense atmosphere of the trial, the emotions of the defendants, and the strategies of the lawyers. These drawings can be as impactful as photographs, immortalising key moments in cases that captivate public attention. For example, during the trials of infamous crime bosses or A-list celebrities, the courtroom sketches not only document the legal process but also become cultural artefacts, encapsulating the drama and significance of the proceedings in a way that still photography might not achieve.
As an example, let’s consider this drawing of the head of a prominent Boston crime family being wheeled into court on a gurney by Joseph Connolly (opposite, image from Boston Public Library). According to Eve Griffin, writer, Connolly brings the theatre of the courtroom to life. Starting with the composition, the artist describes the attention seized by the man by illustrating the crowd surrounding him. Through this sketch Connolly is able to humanise the man, despite being a criminal, he evokes a sense of sympathy by emphasising his medical state. He captures the relationship between people, through the portrayal of the middle-aged woman behind the door, crying, frowning and fisting her palm in anger, showcasing what seems to be an array of emotion towards the man – reminding us of his unpopularity. The artist's ability to call one’s awareness to relevant gestures, expressions and appearances in the courtroom is something lacking in photography and videography, through the occasional dramatisation of lawyers, plaintiffs, judges, and witnesses.
In a world where technology continuously advances, the enduring relevance of courtroom sketches is a testament to their unique power. These artworks do more than merely document; they interpret and convey the emotional and psychological undercurrents of legal proceedings in ways that cameras often cannot. Courtroom artists distill the essence of a trial into a single, impactful image that transcends the limitations of time and space, ensuring that the public remains connected to the human elements of justice. As we move forward into an increasingly digital age, the importance of these sketches as both historical records and art forms remains undiminished, reminding us that in the solemn halls of justice, the human touch is irreplaceable.
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