Shows like CSI are having an effect on the general public. Criminals are becoming smarter, and so are juries, according to the “CSI effect.” But because we’re accustomed to seeing a clean cut investigation leading to a quick incarceration on TV, juries are having higher expectations for evidence in the courtroom. And it’s having an effect on the criminal justice system.
The term “CSI effect” was coined in 2008 by American criminologist Monica Robbers, calling it “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.” Due to this increased interest from juries in forensic evidence, crime labs are seeing a big increase in their work load to produce evidence, and unless undeniable evidence is present, juries are hesitant to convict criminals.
But the CSI effect has positive benefits as well. In a murder trial in Virginia, the judge was asked by a juror whether tests had been done on a cigarette butt for possible DNA matches to the defendant. Because the DNA test results had not been introduced as evidence, when they were, the defendant was pardoned and released.
If the CSI effect has you itching to jump start a criminal justice career, you’re not alone. Universities across the nation that offer forensic science programs have experienced record growth by potential students interested in a career in forensic science. Classes like forensics medicine that were never well attended now have standing room only. Learn more about a criminal justice career program today!