What's the point of courtroom sketches?

[GoldenBear]

Is it just me or is a courtroom sketch artist about the most worthless profession on earth? I mean, we know what these people look like and their sketches can't convey any of their gestures or testimony. What is the point? I'd rather have a description of the person, like NERVOUS, SWEATING or whatever, but a drawing?

 

[riddelrp]

These are used so that if the defendant escapes then they know what he/she looks like</sarcasm>

 

[kbm5]

Didn't you know -- John Grisham is now writing books for kids, and he needs some illustrations!





















Okay, I admit, it was lame.

 

[Viper GTS]

People want pictures, plain &amp; simple. If cameras aren't allowed, sketches are the only way to get that.

Viper GTS

 

[IcemanJer]

you can probably blame the media on this one.
a major news report involving courtroom appearances but without any form of pictorial depiction is a BIG media no-no.