The Influence Of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

On October 6, 2000, the televised series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation was released. The show was broadcast by CBS Television Distribution. With the airing of the show, the public began creating their own beliefs on the way forensic science is performed by legal professionals and how the cases are processed in court. Ever since the CSI series aired, multiple televised series have been aired such as Bones, Criminal minds, N.C.I.S, et al. These shows have begun to influence potential jurors into having certain expectations this is referred to as the CSI effect. The effect is described as “The CSI effect is a belief held primarily among law enforcement personnel and prosecutors that forensic science television dramas, such as CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, influence American jurors to expect more forensic evidence to

In reality, forensic investigators are not always able to obtain evidence. Either they lack the resources or the criminals have simply become more cautious (Stockwell, 2005). This cautious behavior is speculated by Evan Durnal that possible criminals are using the shows as a way to “learn” how to commit a crime as well as reducing the chances of being caught (Durnal, 2010). With this type of behavior, the prosecution is left with minimal evidence other than eyewitnesses which the jurors have labeled as insufficient evidence. In addition, by having these high expectations jurors have begun demanding the prosecution to present more evidence. Jurors demanding for unnecessary forensic tests on cases where they are not needed. Cases are being acquitted due to what they consider lack of proof beyond reasonable doubt. these acquittals could be wrongfully done due to the CSI effect affecting the expectation of evidence the prosecution is presenting. The jurors demand for evidence is caused by false expectations of forensics testing that have not been developed