Understanding The CSI Effect
Programs such as Forensic files, Law and Order, CSI, CSI Miami etc may be hugely popular and thoroughly entertaining but they have created what is know in academic and professional circles as the 'CSI effect' According to Max Houck, director of the Forensic Science Initiative, a program that develops research and professional training for forensic scientists, "The CSI effect is basically the perception of the near-infallibility of forensic science in response to the TV show," The main distortion between fictional portrayals and the application of forensic science in the real world is 'time frame'. It can take several weeks, sometimes months to get results back from the lab, however, in the fictional world of forensic science and crime scene investigation, results invaribaly come back straight away. The CSI Effect in ActionIt would seem that the CSI effect is most visible in the court room, particularly among jurors. Max Houck mentioned above, argues that Prosecutors fear the CSI effect among juries because they may question why everything isn't subject to forensic analysis, when in fact not everything has to be. Equally, Defence attorneys are concerned about the CSI effect because jurors may perceive the science of forensics as completely objective and totally accurate, thus ignoring the possibility of human or technical error. Writing for USA today Richard Willing outlined a number of examples that highlighted the CSI effect in action. These included: Click Here To Read The Richard Willing Article In Full. Does The CSI Effect Exist?
Despite the increasing interest in the "CSI effect", it has only recently been subject to serious academic and theoretical scrutiny. A very important landmark in this respect is the research of Donald E. Shelton. Writing for The National Institute of Justice, Shelton wrote a wide ranging article concerning the "CSI" Effect, documenting research relating to such things as: You can download and read The CSI Effect: Does It Really Exist for free by Clicking Here Recommended ReadingThe CSI Effect by Katherine Ramsland
Edtorial Review By Kristine Huntley From Booklist When CSI: Crime Scene Investigation debuted on television in 2000, no one could have predicted the impact it would have on the legal system. "The C.S.I. Effect" is used to describe how CSI and its spin-offs and imitators have made members of a jury think they are experts on forensic science and investigation techniques. In her second CSI-related book, Ramsland expands upon the scientific and investigation procedures that viewers see on the show. Using real examples such as the BTK murders and the O. J. Simpson case as well as episodes from the three CSI shows, Ramsland analyzes the ways technology such as the Internet and DNA testing are revolutionizing the way law enforcement apprehends killers and obtains convictions. Ramsland also looks at how a case can get derailed when eyewitness testimony contradicts the physical evidence or when the handling of the evidence is called into question. A fascinating must-read for CSI fans and anyone interested in criminal justice. See following link for more details: Crime Scene Investigation Gift Range
This funky crime scene investigation design is available on a range of T-Shirts, Tracksuits, Hoodies and other great gift idea products which can all be purchased online via an officially registered CafePress Store. All sale proceeds go towards the hosting costs associated with the All About Forensic Science website, thereby helping to safeguard its continued production and development. If you would like to take a look at the crime scene investigation gift range, you can do so via the following link. Crime Scene Investigation Gift Range Looking For Something In Particular? Try Google Search Go From The CSI Effect Back To The Home Page
New! CommentsHave your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below. |
