A popular television show, “CSI”, is impacting not only the viewers, but also the criminal justice system. On the show, a crime is investigated, analyzed, and a conviction is made in an hour. While the span of the show may be a few days to a few weeks, in reality some investigations take months, even years, before a conviction. It has created a phenomena known as the “CSI Effect” and is basically exactly what it states. How has this television show, “CSI”, played an impact on the criminal justice system and also the crime labs? Let’s start with the effect it plays on the court. Juries who watch this show, often have unrealistic expectations. These expectations may be that they are demanding evidence that could prolong the trial. People see
