Judges Impacted by CSI Effect
One of the topics that’s been at the top of my consciousness lately is the whole idea of the ‘CSI effect’ and whether or not it’s a good or bad thing.
The good side is that more kids and even adults are interested in learning and hearing about the science behind DNA and evidence and trace elements due to their expanding use and discussion topic on TV and now in the paper.
The bad side is that the general public now expect and in fact discredit evidence that’s not based on pure DNA fact or other “science”. That’s not good because an eye-witness or other types of evidence aren’t suddenly invalid due to forensic sciences, it’s just a different type of evidence.
For that reason, judges are now catching themselves brushing up on their science lessons because of the increased awareness by the participants and audiences in their courtrooms.
It’s important for judges to know information like this since they are responsible for determining which evidence to allow in court. Ohio State University presented a three-day seminar for judges as part of a program to teach them developing science. The program was congressionally mandated and helps the judges to avoid being taken advantage of. “Hired guns” are experts in medicine or science who are rewarded for their testimony with money or fame. Judge Janet Burnside of Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court in Cleveland said that if “you don’t have scientific knowledge you’re kind of throwing up your hands.” A judge with scientific knowledge would have a better idea of whether the testimony is valid or if it was made up “to sell to the highest bidder.”
What do you think? Do you feel like you’re more educated now because of what you’ve seen on the episodes of CSI as well as other popular TV shows like Criminal Minds, The Closer, Bones and NCIS?
Original Article: “Judge and Jury” on CSI Files
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POSTED IN: CSI Effect, News, Out-Of-Crime, Science, Thoughts
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