RJA #9b: Freewriting

Does a "CSI Effect" exist in the courtroom?

A CSI Effect can exist in a courtroom due to the viewing of television programs based on forensic science and criminal justice. Shows like Law and Order, CSI: LV, CSI: NY, and CSI: Miami are some possible sources of tainted criminal justice. The combination of crime scene shows and the "tech effect" (better technology creating an image of perfect evidence) could be the real culprit. Without proof of the existence of this effect the entire thing could be denied of existence. Its more of a psychological effect instead of physical effect. Tests have been conducted on control groups but there is no substantial evidence and proves the existence of the effect. Some people think its just the tech effect that is effecting people but there is not proof of that either. Juries have been asked after trials what influenced their decisions but that does not mean that the people were telling the truth. Juries have asked for DNA, fingerprints, and other types of evidence when it was necessary for the charge that the defendent is facing. The CSI tv series are the biggest and most noticable contributers to the CSI Effect. The tech effect contributor could also be coming from tv shows because of the techniques that are used for forensic evidence processing such as instant hits on fingerprints. Another one is the constant use of ballistic gel bodies and other objects is not real unless the police department is rich because it costs a lot of money. The investigators on the tv shows carry a handgun normally but in real life a crime scene investigator is not a cop so doesn't carry a gun.