This belief that the exaggerated portrayal of forensic science and criminal justice on crime entrainment programs influences public perception of the criminal justice system is called the CSI Effect.

Richard Willing from USA TODAY says in his article ‘‘CSI effect’ has juries wanting more evidence‘ it seems the crime show franchise has given jurors an incomplete picture of forensics. “Prosecutors, defense lawyers and judges call it ‘the CSI effect,’ after the crime-scene shows that feature high-tech labs and glib and gorgeous techies. By shining a glamorous light on a gory profession, the programs also have helped to draw more students into forensic studies” (2004). It is evident that media does have an influence. “Law enforcement officials say crime scene shows like ‘CSI’ and ‘Law and Order’ distort the public’s view of death investigations. And in some cases, they say the shows make it difficult to get convictions in court” (Rowson, 2011).

The CSI Effect is a real problem inside the court room with jurors because they are often misinformed; thus, making it more difficult. “Last year in Wilmington, Del., federal researchers studying how juries evaluate scientific evidence staged dozens of simulated trials. At one point, a juror struggling with especially complicated DNA evidence lamented that such problems never come up ‘on CSI’ (Willing, 2004). Prosecutors also have had to change tactics to counteract the CSI Effect. “In Arizona, Illinois and California, prosecutors now use ‘negative evidence witnesses’ to try to assure jurors that it is not unusual for real crime-scene investigators to fail to find DNA, fingerprints and other evidence at crime scenes” (2004).

Also, Gwinnett County District Attorney Danny Porter said because of the proliferation of shows that portray crime scene investigations. “The public sometimes sees death investigations in an unrealistic way. [Also,] jurors typically believe in 3 misconceptions: 1. DNA can be tested instantly, and it means a suspect is guilty. 2. A DNA sample or finger print can be entered into a national database and immediately pull up a suspect. 3. A blurry photograph can be enhanced to clarity for identification” (Rowson, 2011).

John Grossman, the undersecretary of forensic science and technology for Massachusetts, worries the CSI Effect raises the bar for forensic pathologists testifying in court. “I think it makes it much harder for the experts. Juries now expect high-level science to be done on lots of cases where again we do not have the resources to do them and in many cases, the science doesn’t exist to do them” (Rath, 2011).

This can all be seen in (Figure 14). However, the picture is too large for the 4MB picture limit that exist on OnMason. When you click on the link below, it will download the picture and then you will be able to see what I mean. My conclusion is the next page and I will remark on my findings. 

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