Media, Crime

The CSI Effect is the belief that popular television
programs like CSI and other shows about law, crime,
and forensics impact real-world perceptions of
criminal justice. Claims of the CSI Effect indicate
that these programs 1) Teach criminals forensic
techniques helpful for avoiding capture 2) Generate
misconceptions about crime investigation and 3) Skew
juror expectations about forensic evidence resulting
in tainted verdicts. This book offers a conceptual
understanding of how the alleged CSI Effect
phenomenon could occur by exploring sociocultural
mechanisms related to media and crime, specifically
the impact of crime genre television on public
understandings of forensic science and criminal
justice. This analysis includes commentary about the
CSI Effect from forensic scientists, law enforcement,
legal professionals, and those in academic and
criminal justice professions. The book contains
useful insight for individuals who watch TV shows
about crime and law, those concerned with the role of
media in justice, law enforcement officials, legal
professionals, and academics in criminology, law,
forensic science, journalism, media, sociology,
psychology, and other related fields.