The CSI effect is the claim that heavy exposure to television crime dramas raises jurors' expectations for forensic evidence in real criminal trials, leading them to expect DNA analysis, fingerprinting or other scientific proof before they will convict a defendant. The term is named for the television series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, which debuted in 2000, and became a recognized subject of concern among legal commentators by 2004. Whether the effect actually changes jury verdicts remains contested, with empirical studies producing mixed results, but the underlying worry is that unrealistic expectations set by television could raise the practical burden of proof for prosecutors.
Facts
Core ClaimJurors may expect large amounts of forensic evidence in criminal trials, raising the effective standard of proof for prosecutors. 1 First Described Year Classification
Type of PhenomenonSocial or Interpersonal Phenomenon 1 Sources
1. CSI effect, Wikipedia
Lead paragraph
Jurors may expect large amounts of forensic evidence (such as fingerprinting and DNA analysis) in criminal trials, raising the effective standard of proof for prosecutors.
Lead paragraph, first report of the term
The term was first reported in a 2004 USA Today article describing the effect being made on trial jurors by television programs featuring forensic science.
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