Essay on current issues in criminal justice

In the recent past, TV shows such as CSI have resulted to numerous reports that indicates that these shows distorts the public understanding of forensic science, implementation of laws, distorts their anticipation of the criminal justice system, and prejudices jury judgments. The intent of this paper is to analyze the accuracies and inaccuracies of the TV programs CSI and Law and Order to show the criminal justice system, forensics, and law enforcement roles.
These television programs provide a synthesis of fiction, often based on real life situations which are scientifically centered and theoretically viable forensic techniques and procedures. Therefore, these television programs with eminent episodes of crime dramas often haze the line amid reality and fiction. Most commonly, the effect of the CSI on criminal justice system is known as CSI effect. One eminent effect of CSI effect is that it induce the jurors believe that he or she has expertise in forensic science, resulting in increased expectation of law enforcement officers and prosecutors. Moreover, the TV shows have increased such actions as the behavior of legal professionals. For instance, a layer may request to give cautionary instructions to the suspect, hence, interfere with the entire process. Additionally, the programs have vexed students to interest in topics related to forensic science and hence, an upsurge in admission, in forensic science program.
It is widely believed that the TV shows have also in many ways enlightened criminals on cautionary measures such as destroying evidence and avoiding arrest. More so, the TV dramas have led to misinterpretation of police work and the legal system. However, the programs have achieved positive effects such as interviewing of criminal suspects and increased accountability to lawyers.
In conclusion, the implication of television crime dramas though not clear, has in a large way affected the criminal justice system. Legal professionals seem to be changing in their behavior such as in court testimony, presentation of evidence, and lawyer-suspect relation. The CSI effect has positive and negative effects of the criminal justice system. The positive effects include increased enrollment in forensic study programs, increased layer’s accountability, and improved means to interview suspects. However, the programs have created misinterpretation of the legal system, enlightened criminals on negative means to escape laws, and negative change in behavior of jurors.

References

Byers, M., & Johnson, V. M. (2009). The CSI Effect: Television, Crime, and Governance. Pennysylavia: Rowman & Littlefield.
Pyrek, K. (2007). Forensic Science Under Siege. New York: Academic Press.