Public Interest In Forensic Science

¨Mr. Green committed murder in the pub with a bottle¨. If you like to solve mysteries, then you might find this sentence familiar. I always liked to play the game Clue because I get to solve mysteries. I want to be able to use my talent of solving mysteries in a career, and becoming a forensic scientist seems to be the perfect choice. After researching important information , such as the work environment skills required, the level of education needed, the salary and job outlook, I find myself to be highly qualified for an upcoming career in forensic science.

In 2006, over 100 million people in the United States tuned in to watch either CSI or any if the other forensic and criminal investigation related television show each week (CJSG). Since then, the number of viewers has increased rapidly, as well as the amount of television shows with the same type of theme. As a result of the increase of these television programs, researchers are discovering a new phenomenon called the ‘CSI Effect’ that seems to be fueling an interest in forensic science and criminal investigations nationwide. This effect is actually the ability of criminal justice themed television shows to influence and increase victims’, jurors’ and criminals’ ideas about forensics, DNA testing and methods, and criminal investigations

Forensic science and law are often seen as two opposing disciplines; forensic science is often presumed to be factual and law can be interpreted in multiple ways. Science and law reach conclusions in different ways which is an issue. Due to these differences, miscommunication is often the cause for miscarriages of justice. In order to address this problem, people working in the criminal justice system should have more knowledge of forensic science. There are many factors that contribute to the lack of understanding between forensic science and the people involved in the court process. Firstly, the adversarial model will be discussed in relation to how these procedures prevent effective communication between forensic evidence and lawyers. Secondly, the role that expert witnesses play in the presentation of scientific evidence and how jurors play a role in interpreting their evidence, will be considered. Thirdly it will be argued that lawyers and judges lack adequate knowledge of forensic science that is needed to conduct accurate trials. Lastly, possible solutions to improve the communication between forensic science and the actors involved in the criminal justice system. Juries, lawyers and judges should be more educated in understanding forensic science.

The importance of show-trials is proving what you are doing looks good, and that is law-abiding. It is important to make everyone happy. (Bach pg.193) A show-trial is a judicial trial held in public with the intention of influencing or satisfying public opinion, rather than of ensuring justice. These show trials resonate deeply with the citizenry. The media world is outrageously popular for captivating the public audience’s attention for court room related cases. An example would be TV. We’ve all came across episodes of “Law and Order.” It appears out to be “how” people think American Justice is. (Bach pg.195) The public attention of media is ranked highly and known as best.

I agree that our criminal justice system must utilize ways to adapt to the increased expectations of those who we ask to cast votes of guilty or not guilty; keeping in mind that criminals watch television also and there is evidence they are changing their behavior. However, most of the techniques used in crime shows are, at least grounded in truth. CSI collect and analyze evidence,

Americans depend a great deal on entertainment to educate them about life. In several ways Americans live vicariously through the actors and actresses on television and believe themselves to learn many things from those actors and actresses. For example, many people have said they learned medical techniques by watching medical shows on television or believe they would know what to do in a medical emergency because they have seen it done on television. The same goes for Americans’ knowledge about Court hearings and the judicial system. Many things are done on television by actors playing lawyers or judges that are done just for the purpose of entertainment. “Reality-based” Court shows such as Judge Judy, People’s Court

The idea of using the science has been started before the debuting of Sherlock Holmes in 1887, who had introduced about the forensic science to help criminal investigation. In history, the work of forensic scientists was performed by medical personnel. Until the end of eighteenth century, the attempts of French medical jurist Antoine Louis, crime solving Chinese book “ Hsi Duan Yu”(the washing way of wrongs), etc gave ideas about determining time of death, analyzing blood stain, identifying chemical used in crime, etc. After eighteenth century, the modern chemistry paved new way of identifying crime like the idea of measuring height, length of right ear and outstretched

What is the CSI Effect and does it’s effect have an impact on juror’s decision making? “The CSI Effect- defines the impact crime dramas, such as CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, have on juror’s decision –making process (Parker, 2)”. The Article The Portrayal of the American Legal System in Prime Time Television Crime Dramas; investigated how the legal system is portrayed in prime time network television. “Each week CSI drew in audiences averaging more than 10 million viewers (Parker, 109)”. These episodes portrayed forensic scientist using expensive and advanced equipment to do DNA testing and evaluate gunshot residue left at crime scenes. The article The Verdict on Television discusses “The

dramatic events occurring in both the courtroom as well as outside when the media expressed the

In this paper, I will discuss the background of forensic pathology, the pros and cons of forensic pathology, and the similar and different in a forensic pathologist and a coroner. There are various disciplines in Forensic Science that can help with a crime, and solving that crime. One of these various disciplines is Forensic Pathology which the study of disease, and its causes, moreover; it involves the discovering the cause of the death where a death is sudden or suspicion to law enforcement. While a Forensic Pathologist can be helpful to law enforcement, and helpful in assisting in crime investigation, there are cons to being forensic pathologist. Furthermore, forensic pathologist can be confused with coroner even though they do the same

Life, Death, and the CSI Effect Picture a crime scene. There are people everywhere looking over the decapitated body of Anna Martin. The smell of her rotting body infuses the noses of innocent bystanders. First, the Crime Scene Investigators put yellow crime scene tape up which reads, “CRIME SCENE DO NOT CROSS.”

between a cut (an injury that is longer than deep) and a stab wound (an injury

Forensic science is a broad term that refers to the use of science or technology in a court room environment. Forensic science plays an important role in modern popular culture; the police procedural is highly dependent upon cutting-edge forensic science. Moreover, many people are aware of the impact of DNA testing on the modern criminal justice landscape. However, forensic science actually predates many modern scientific advances; almost as long as there have been controversies, there has been some type of forensic science.

Forensic science involves the use of science to solve criminal and civil crimes but mostly lies on the side of criminal investigations. It makes it possible to identify the criminals based on the DNA traces they leave behind. It involves analyses of blood, DNA and other evidences and later on uses the findings as evidence in the court of law. It helps in solving the various crimes in the world and this has been the greatest contributor to the growth of the sector. Cases that were previously considered impossible due to lack of evidenced tracing to the victim can now be solved using forensic science evidences. The essay aims at analyzing the different aspects of forensic science that are used in the process of solving criminal activities. It will also look at the different cases that forensic science was used to solve crimes in a court of law.

In the past decade, network television has been bombarded by crime shows attempting to make their mark on viewers. All of these programs—CSI, Lie to Me, Numb3rs, Law & Order—have the same general set up of a male lead with a hot-head who is complemented by his team of FBI agents. As a loyal viewer and fan of Bones, I often wonder what makes it stay afloat with so many shows out there like it. Could it be that Bones isn’t like any of the other crime shows? Through its crimes and unsolved murders, Bones helps its viewers make sense of the disastrous world around them. The world we live in is full of danger and unsolved crime, but after watching Dr. Brennan, her team of “squints” and Agent Booth solve even the most bizarre murders, the