While the jury is still out on whether the CSI Effect itself is fact or fiction, it’s clear that today’s technology- and media-influenced juries have a heightened awareness of forensic evidence.
Use these resources to learn more about the CSI Effect and make your own ruling.
CSI Effect Theory
Shelton D.E., “The ‘CSI Effect’: Does It Really Exist?”, NIJ Journal (259) (2008)
Shelton, D.E., Y.S. Kim, and G. Barak, “A Study of Juror Expectations and Demands Concerning Scientific Evidence: Does the ‘CSI Effect’ Exist?” (Exit Notice) Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment and Technology Law 9 (2) (2006): 331–368.
The Science Behind Forensic Science
Investigative Uses of Technology: Devices, Tools, and Techniques (NIJ Special Report) .pdf download
Investigations Involving the Internet and Computer Networks (NIJ Special Report) .pdf download
Digital Evidence in the Courtroom: A Guide for Law Enforcement and Prosecutors (NIJ Special Report) .pdf download
Online DNA Training
What Every Law Enforcement Officer Should Know About DNA Evidence
Principles of Forensic DNA for Officers of the Court
DNA: A Prosecutor’s Practice Notebook
Forensic DNA Analysts Training Courses
Addressing Shortfalls in Forensic Science Education .pdf download
Citations
[1] Honorable Donald E. Shelton, “The ‘CSI Effect’: Does It Really Exist?,” NIJ Journal 259 (2008)
[2] Honorable Donald E. Shelton, “The ‘CSI Effect’: Does It Really Exist?,” NIJ Journal 259 (2008)
[3] M.R. Durose. 2008. Census of Publicly Funded Forensic Crime Laboratories, 2005 U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics.
[4] Honorable Donald E. Shelton, “The ‘CSI Effect’: Does It Really Exist?,” NIJ Journal 259 (2008)