Exploring the CSI Effect: A Qualitative Study of the Effects and Impact of Television Crime Shows in the Courtroom Público

Abstract

The rise in popular crime scene investigation shows has led many to believe that juries now demand forensic evidence in criminal cases (Podlas, 2005). Named the "CSI Effect," this refers to the raised and oftentimes unrealistic expectations of forensic evidence by juries as a result of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and other shows involving crime and the legal system (Shelton, 2006; Tyler, 2006). The purpose of this study is to explore how the CSI Effect is perceived by the attorneys and judges involved in jury trials. By employing semi-structured, in-depth interviews, I explore how the CSI Effect is impacting the courtroom from the perspective of the prosecution and judges. Through the research I build on existing literature and look to further expand the scope in which the CSI Effect is viewed. The results show that the CSI Effect primarily creates expectations of evidence, attorneys, and police. This leads to prosecutors addressing these expectations through voir dire and manipulation tactics, and can lead to role strain. While this supports existing literature suggesting that the CSI Effect creates expectations and can lead to wrongful acquittals, my research focuses on how the CSI Effect affects not only the jury, but the attorneys as well.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………. 1

Literature Review…………………………………………...………………………………… 3

Research Questions ………………………………………………………………… .. ……… . 18

Methodology……………..……………………………………………………………………... 19

Results…………………………………………………………………………………………...... 23

Discussion……………………………………………………………………………………...…. 41

References…………………………………………………..………………………………….... 46

Appendices……………………………………………………………………………………...… 49

About this Honors Thesis

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School	Emory College
Department	Sociology
Degree	BA
Submission	Honors Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Sociology, Criminology and Penology
Palavra-chave	CSI Effect Legal System Crime Scene Investigation
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Scott, Tracy L, Emory University
Committee Members	Goldenbaum, Ursula, Emory University Dowd, Timothy J, Emory University

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