Do you believe the popularity of CSI has done more harm or good when it comes to the jury pool?

Answer 1

People are smarter than you think.

Answer 2

Depending on the way a person looks at it , it could be good or bad. Good in the sense that it makes people more knowledgeable and better decisions can be made; but bad in the sense that a lot of people now think they are qualified forensic experts just because they watch CSI; and sadly that can also alter a decision instead of looking at just the facts and evidence of the case as well as other things presented.

Example: a person went for Jury duty and as the jurors deliberated the fate of the defendant; the topic that was risen during the deliberation was "that can't be true, I watch CSI"

What has the justice system come to when a jury of "our" peers make a decision based on a television drama?

Answer 3

Not necessarily CSI, but all the cop and attorney shows on television. Many jurors think they are law or forensic experts because they watch these show religiously. These people gum up the system by ignore the judge's instruction to stick to the evidence presented and create their own scenarios. This type of thing happened to my husband when he was on a jury. The trial lasted a day and a half, jury deliberations, 3 days, because people were creating "what if" stories about the defendant.

Answer 4

While the DNA aspect is unrealistic, in a real CSI investigation all they do is present the evidence they have, they don't go around with guns or shoot people. All they do is process evidence. And TV shows are just enjoyable escapism. Some of the techniques they use and the sci-fi machines they use may some day actually be used in a real investigation if their departments can get approval in the real world, but it isn't all gravy like it is in a one hour TV show.

Answer 5

There is already talk of the detrimental "CSI effect" by prosecutors. There are many people who think that all forensic science is as definitive as seen on the TV show. Its rather unfortunate that there are people who do not understand the concept of artistic license. This is like reading historical fiction and declaring oneself an expert on history. Of course, I'm sure defense lawyers love the CSI effect.

Answer 6

I think program like CSI definitely give a false sense crime solving and the process and time involved. It is like everything in the media, it misrepresents true life and the problems we all face. It is a sad commentary when our TV's and movies are believed and expected.

Answer 7

I think it might have done more good. People may have a better understanding of forensics and listen to evidence presented by qualified witnesses. They also might see how much effort actually goes into an investigation to come to their conclusion. But this is just my opinion!

Answer 8

You mean we might reach a point where how a case is decided is by where the evidence lies and not who paid enough for their defense lawyer and can outsmart the DA?

God forbid that truth should rule and not the lawyers.

Answer 9

harm, now everybody thinks they are qualified forensic scientists, and the cases are so far fetched that it skews perception of reality to those prone to fantasy.

Answer 10

i think CSI stay and keep cool : /