notes 1 drugs
Do you suffer from the “CSI effect?”
Over the last few years, crime investigation series on television have risen in popularity, particularly those that focus on crime labs and forensic sciences. While entertaining, shows like CSI, NCIS, Bones, and other programs like them give the impression that evidence analysis happens quickly and that it is always right. Experts say that the “CSI effect” is having a real influence on how the public perceives the work of law enforcement and in how cases are being tried in court. Studies show that juries are calling for more forensic evidence and may be finding individuals not guilty when there is not a great deal of forensic evidence. Juries are also increasingly using terms (such as latent fingerprints or mitochondrial DNA) found on these programs, even when they are not used in the trial. Finally, juries are increasingly expecting to see the complex tests and techniques seen on TV, even when they are not available or reasonable given the court case.
In reality, crime scene investigation and forensic science are still interesting areas, but real life does differ from what is portrayed on these shows. For example, many forensic techniques and tests take hours or even days in order to produce results. In addition, the individuals working in crime laboratories typically work in one area, staying in that area to reduce the risk of cross contamination of the evidence. Perhaps the biggest difference from the television programs, however, is that most forensic scientists do not carry guns, interrogate suspects, or help with arrests. In fact, many forensic scientists remain in the lab while the collection of evidence is done by police officers.
In this unit, you will begin your investigation of what forensic science is really like. You may find that there are some similarities to what you’ve seen on television or in the movies. You’ll probably also notice some differences. Do you have the “CSI effect?”
Forensic Science
Over the last few years, crime investigation series on television have risen in popularity, particularly those that focus on crime labs and forensic sciences. While entertaining, shows like CSI, NCIS, Bones, and other programs like them give the impression that evidence analysis happens quickly and that it is always right. Experts say that the “CSI effect” is having a real influence on how the public perceives the work of law enforcement and in how cases are being tried in court. Studies show that juries are calling for more forensic evidence and may be finding individuals not guilty when there is not a great deal of forensic evidence. Juries are also increasingly using terms (such as latent fingerprints or mitochondrial DNA) found on these programs, even when they are not used in the trial. Finally, juries are increasingly expecting to see the complex tests and techniques seen on TV, even when they are not available or reasonable given the court case.
In reality, crime scene investigation and forensic science are still interesting areas, but real life does differ from what is portrayed on these shows. For example, many forensic techniques and tests take hours or even days in order to produce results. In addition, the individuals working in crime laboratories typically work in one area, staying in that area to reduce the risk of cross contamination of the evidence. Perhaps the biggest difference from the television programs, however, is that most forensic scientists do not carry guns, interrogate suspects, or help with arrests. In fact, many forensic scientists remain in the lab while the collection of evidence is done by police officers.
In this unit, you will begin your investigation of what forensic science is really like. You may find that there are some similarities to what you’ve seen on television or in the movies. You’ll probably also notice some differences. Do you have the “CSI effect?”
Forensic Science