The CSI Effect Essay - 1905 Words

In 2006, over 100 million people in the United States tuned in to watch either CSI or any if the other forensic and criminal investigation related television show each week (CJSG). Since then, the number of viewers has increased rapidly, as well as the amount of television shows with the same type of theme. As a result of the increase of these television programs, researchers are discovering a new phenomenon called the ‘CSI Effect’ that seems to be fueling an interest in forensic science and criminal investigations nationwide. This effect is actually the ability of criminal justice themed television shows to influence and increase victims’, jurors’ and criminals’ ideas about forensics, DNA testing and methods, and criminal investigations†¦show more content†¦In the past, the jury learned from the forensic scientists’ testimony; but now, they’re learning from television and a lot of reality shows. Consequently, what they’ re learning is not necessarily what is actually done (Honeycutt). However, those jurors who watch criminal investigation television shows do believe that what they’re seeing on TV is what does go on in real life and they expect to see it in court. This is because, according to Shelton, â€Å"the more frequently jurors watched a given program, the more accurate they perceived it to be.† Unfortunately, these shows also create a false expectation that clear and definite evidence can be shown for any case, which is not true. Jurors expect every case to have thorough scientific evidence from the best and most modern technology and to look exactly as it does on a television show (Shelton). Radford said, â€Å"Science does not operate on certainties.† During an investigation, scientists don’t ever say that the DNA being tested is a â€Å"match† to the suspect because nothing can ever be a definite match. Instead, their vocabulary consists of phrases such asShow MoreRelatedCsi Effect Essay1231 Words   |  5 PagesCSI Effect Abstract Crime in America is increasing rapidly and many techniques have been created over the years in order to solve major crimes. Forensics science is one of the many techniques that have been created. Forensics is the use of science and technology to investigate and establish facts in criminal courts of law (free-dictionary, n.d). But there is an upcoming issue which involves the exaggerated details of forensics science. This paper explores the CSI Effect, compares and contrastsRead MoreThe Csi Effect On The Minds Of Jurors909 Words   |  4 Pages The CSI Effect is becoming to take it’s place in courtrooms and the prosecutors aren t liking it. Prosecutors are feeling there is no hope for getting a conviction when it’s come to the CSI Effect because they believe that it has control over the juror’s applying justice to criminal. The CSI Effect is being criticized for not allowing prosecutors a fair chance at a conviction in a jury trial for the belief that Jurors are influenced by what they see on T.V shows and how they believe that theRead MoreThe CSI Effect and its Implications in Forensic Science Essay1769 Words   |  8 Pagesknown as the CSI effect, or the process through which devoted fans of popular crime dramas develop unrealistic notions of forensic science methods, practices, and their applications in real life cases (Mancini 544; Stevens 37; Ley, Jankowski, and Brewer 52). The CSI effect has had more negative impacts on forensic science and society than positive impacts, especially in regards to what goes on in the minds of jurors who frequently watch television programs about crime. Studying the CSI effect also leadsRead MorePresentation At The 2010 Cooley Law School Symposium On The Csi Effect1113 Words   |  5 Pagespresentation at the 2010 Cooley Law School Symposium on the CSI Effect. It reviews the results of two empirical studies of Michigan jurors in various jurisdictions, which previously concluded that the prosecutor version of the so-called CSI effect cannot be substantiated empirically. The article then describes merged data from the two studies and the analysis of that merged data. The data supports the earlier suggestion of a tech effect based on cultural changes, rather than any direct impactRead MoreThe Csi Effect1178 Words   |  5 Pagesthat the things that take place on these shows are real. There is Law in Order SVU, 24, Bones and our favorite CSI that make people think that countless cases are open and close do to outrageous finding of DA traces. Th e CSI Effect is a theory that criminals are getting smarter. These shows give out numerous tactics on how many cases are cracked and suspects are arrested. The CSI Effect also results in various hang juries and miss trials due to lack of evidence. The jury is starting to need moreRead MoreCsi Effect1164 Words   |  5 Pagesorder to accurately depict how the CSI Effect strongly influences our society’s view on crime and courtroom proceedings, I will be comparing different CSI episodes to those methods and theories which apply. Throughout the paper, I will be explaining how CSI has shaped peoples’ minds in believing false claims and investigation beliefs. Watching and comparing episodes of CSI to the CSI Effect will be a prime reference in explaining how the media is placing a spin on CSI television shows. According toRead MoreForensic Science And The Scientific Examination Of Evidence1644 Words   |  7 Pagesunique details. In the article The Real CSI from Frontline talks about the technology and science behind examining bite marks is not reliable. Bite marks is similar to fingerprinting analysis, the assumption behind bite marks is that dental characteristics is unique, therefore the technology used to identify bite marks is scrutinized even though bite marks can change over time and be distorted due to factors like swelling and healing (Frontline, The Real CSI). In the NOVA episode â€Å"Forensics On Trial†Read MoreCsi Miami vs Csi Real Life1051 Words   |  5 Pagesassignment I chose Double Jeopardy from CSI Miami, season four episode eighteen. In this episode a husband is found innocent of his wifes murder just as her missing body is being pulled from the ocean by a fisherman. March 26 Mr. Rowe discovered his wife’s racial status and she disappeared on October 5th but the husband waited 3 days to report her death. During this time he practiced killing Terisa Matherdy. Losing four twe nty lb weight set in the process. The CSI team must try to find new evidenceRead MoreThe Csi Effect On Crime1657 Words   |  7 PagesThe CSI Effect Introduction Have you ever watched a crime scene drama on television and now believe you are a forensic science expert? This is what you call the â€Å"Crime Scene Investigation Effect (CSI)†. It came into light in the early 2000’s. In 2008, Monica Robbers, an American criminologist, defined the CSI Effect as, â€Å"the phenomenon in which jurors hold unrealistic expectations of forensic evidence and investigation techniques, and have an increased interest in the discipline of forensic science†Read MoreForensic Science in the 21st Century1765 Words   |  8 Pagesinto forensic science’s contributions to policing and criminal investigations, court processes, and security efforts. Also it explores the media’s representation of forensic science, influence on popular opinion for justice-related issues, and â€Å"CSI† effect on the judicial process. Forensic Science Contributions to Policing and Criminal Investigations The geneses of criminalistics or forensic science are mainly European. Forensic science is an amalgamation of various disciplines, such as