Unusual: for the first time, virtual reality became evidence in court

For the first time in the world, a criminal trial presented as evidence Oculus Questfor aggravated assault that occurred in Florida, USA.

What’s the matter:

Miguel Albis owns a Florida wedding venue and was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly waving a gun at guests during an argument. Albisu’s wife and son were allegedly assaulted at the scene and his wife suffered a wrist injury and Albisu was called to the scene.

“The issue is whether Albisu’s decision to threaten those at the scene with a weapon was a permissible form of self-defense under Florida’s stand-your-ground laws.”

During the presentation of arguments and evidence, case attorney Ken Padowitz commissioned an artist to create a simulation of the incident for Oculus Quest 2, and Broward County Judge Andrew Siegel will allow it to be presented in court. The idea is to give everyone in the courtroom the defendant’s point of view.

“We put headphones on the judge, the prosecutors and the witness, and the judge was able to see first-hand my client, from his own perspective, what he was up against when he was surrounded by drunk partygoers,” Padowitz told WPLG. . “They grabbed him and at that point he felt he needed to draw his gun to protect his life and property.”

You can even see a video of the judge and lawyers wearing VR glasses:

Admission to the virtual reality simulation was granted during a preliminary hearing before a judge, who will determine whether the case will be dismissed or sent to a jury trial. If the case goes to trial, proceedings are expected to resume in February.