CSI Effect Flashcards
Explain the Jury Expectations in Relation to the CSI Effect
Wrongful acquittals in cases lacking forensic evidence because the jury expect it
Explain how the Study by the Nation Institute of Justice (NIJ) Refute the Jury Expectation Interpretation of the CSI Effect
1000 jurors were surveyed prior to their trial on their TV watching habits.
“Law & Order” and “CSI” were the most frequently watched law-related TV programs accounting for over 40% each
46% expected to see scientific evidence in every criminal case
This increased expectation did not translate to requiring scientific evidence as a prerequisite for a guilty conviction
How has the CSI Effect changed Courtroom Procedure
Opening and Closing Satements explain why a piece of evidence was or was not obtained and analyzed
Forensic evidence is introduced, even in cases where it does not contribute to the case
Jurors are questioned in their TV watching habits during Jury Selection
Explain how Juries recieving Better Education relates to the CSI Effect
Better education could allow jury members to better access scientific evidence
More information is known about topics like ballistics and DNA
Explain Myths related to the CSI Effect
Laboratory analysis happens much slower in real life than on TV due to backlogs and rigorous quality control
One piece of evidence may be examined by more than one individual
Fingerprints may not always be available like they are in TV and finger print analysis is still done by an examiner, not a computer data base.
Not all labs are fully equipped.
Scientific techniques may be possible, but uncommon and impractical.
