Questions and Answers
What is the CSI Effect?
What do CSI effect studies examine?
Unintended consequences from the use of technology
The CSI effect raises the state's burden of proof because of the expectation of forensic evidence.
True
In general cases, _____% expect DNA evidence.
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In murder cases, _____% expect DNA evidence.
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In assault cases, _____% expect DNA evidence.
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In rape cases, _____% expect DNA evidence.
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Which types of crimes do people generally not expect DNA evidence?
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What type of evidence is most expected?
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Scientific evidence is expected in all cases.
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Jurors give less credibility to forensic experts.
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Prosecutors must compensate for a lack of evidence due to the CSI effect.
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Jurors will acquit in cases where if CSI did not exist, they would have charged.
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What percentage of jurors discount eye-witness testimony?
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Jurors may see a lack of forensic testing as sloppy police work.
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Jurors requested relevant forensic evidence.
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What percentage of respondents indicated job changes because of the CSI effect?
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More of their time was dedicated to discussing forensic evidence.
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Jurors spent less time familiarizing themselves with forensic tests.
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What percentage of respondents believe jurors have unrealistic expectations of forensic evidence?
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Who examined the perception of the CSI effect on jury expectation and decision?
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What was the focus of the Hayes-Smith and Levett study?
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Those who watched crime shows were more likely to favor the defendant than those who did not.
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Jurors have more understanding of science based on their educational background.
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What is the greatest success of DNA evidence?
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What is key to solving a crime?
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The odds of solving a crime depend on the presence of DNA evidence.
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Study Notes
CSI Effect Overview
- The CSI Effect refers to jurors’ unrealistic expectations regarding forensic evidence due to crime television shows.
- Heightened interest in forensic science stems from dramatic portrayals in media.
Juror Expectations
- General expectation of DNA evidence in 20% of all cases.
- Expectations vary by crime type:
- 45% for murder cases
- 30% for assault cases
- 70% for rape cases
- No expectation of DNA evidence in breaking and entering, theft, and gun-related crimes.
Types of Evidence Anticipated
- Ballistic evidence is primarily expected in weapon-related crimes.
- Fingerprint evidence is considered the most anticipated type of forensic evidence.
- Scientific evidence is expected across all types of cases.
Impact on Higher Education
- Increased number of students majoring in forensic science influenced by the CSI Effect.
Juror Credibility Perception
- Jurors may give less credibility to forensic experts, contrary to common belief.
- They often discount eyewitness testimony and perceive a lack of forensic testing as indicative of sloppy police work.
- Jurors may request irrelevant forensic evidence, reflecting their skewed expectations.
Changes in Legal Processes
- Prosecutors must adapt to jurors’ heightened expectations and compensate for the perceived lack of forensic evidence.
- Jurors are more likely to acquit individuals in cases where they expect forensic evidence that is not provided.
Job and Process Changes
- 85.5% of respondents report changes in their job roles due to the CSI Effect, dedicating more time to forensic evidence discussions.
- More time is spent on jury selection (voir dire) due to these changing expectations.
Perceptions of Evidence
- Nearly 70% believe jurors possess unrealistic expectations regarding forensic evidence and police work.
- Examination of attitudes towards crime shows highlights changes in jury decision-making.
Studies and Findings
- Hayes-Smith and Levett studied the interaction between jurors’ crime show viewing habits and the impact on trial decisions.
- Findings indicate that those who watch crime shows tend to favor defendants more than those who don’t.
Understanding of Science
- Jurors' comprehension of scientific evidence varies based on their educational and science background.
- Higher educational achievement and familiarity with STEM are correlated with a better understanding of forensic evidence.
DNA and Crime Resolution
- DNA is rarely decisive in solving crimes and primarily aids in exonerating the wrongfully convicted.
- Successful crime resolution often hinges on information about specific suspects rather than just DNA presence.
Conclusion on Crime Solving
- The likelihood of resolving a crime is determined more by the crime’s characteristics than the existence of DNA evidence.
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Description
Explore the concept of the CSI Effect through this quiz. Learn how popular television shows influence jurors' expectations of forensic science and the implications of these beliefs on the justice system. Ideal for students and professionals interested in forensic psychology.
