The reason it’s important to understand the structure of a crime is simple: different images can help prove different elements. Understanding the structure will help you determine where to point your camera and ensure you don’t miss the opportunity to capture a variety of footage that will provide a clearer picture of what happened. LAW WHY DOES THIS MATTER? Video Camera Let’s see how this works by looking at four of the elements above and considering how different video clips can help prove different elements. FOUR OF THE 18 ELEMENTS WE NEED TO PROVE VIDEO CLIPS THAT COULD HELP PROVE THE ELEMENT The accused inflicted severe physical or mental pain or suffering upon one or more persons. Footage of: • the actual commission of the torture • the instrument/s used to implement the torture • he sound (audio) of the victims’ cries • medium and close-up shots of the injuries endured • medium and close-up shots of these injuries three months later, six months later • Etc. The conduct committed was widespread or systematic. Footage of: • the same military unit committing torture in different locations • the same military unit committing torture on different dates • testimony of victims in different locations sharing what happened, when, where, and by whom • Etc. HAND The accused was aware that such persons were under his/her custody or control. BRAIN The accused was a military commander or a person effectively acting as a commander of the forces that committed the crime. HAND Footage of: • a wide shot of the location • any restraints placed on the victim (handcuffs, gags, etc.) • weapons and whether they are being used to control the victim • the number of people surrounding the victim • guards placed around a perimeter • the perpetrators discussing the implementation of the torture • any identifying information that helps investigators understand who the perpetrator(s) and victim(s) are • Etc. Footage of the accused commander: • giving orders to his troops and the troops promptly obeying • giving commands over a satellite phone, cell phone, or radio • getting updates from the field via radio, cell phone, etc. • giving public speeches to the troops he controls • being honored by his troops at public events • Etc. 34 VIDEO AS EVIDENCE: ANATOMY OF A CRIME V 1.0