The CSI effect and forensic science
Television dramas like CSI, Bones and Criminal Minds – can create false expectations and impressions of forensic science, especially in the courtroom. Listen to this radio broadcast on 9 January, 2014 to find out more.
Listen to the RNZ audio: The CSI effect and forensic science
Duration: 11.01
This genre of television viewing has certainly raised awareness of the field of forensic science, but does it accurately portray what a forensic scientist does? Does it confuse jurors or others in the court about the true role and capabilities of a forensic scientist? Hannah Forrest talks to University of Otago forensic chemist Jurian Hoogewerff and barrister and law lecturer Len Andersen about the CSI effect.
The role of a forensic scientist
Forensic science is not about finding out whether someone is guilty or to advocate for one person over another. Its role is to reconstruct a case – to find the answers of where, what, when and who is involved – and to objectively look at this evidence. University courses in forensic science emphasise this need to stick to the facts and remain objective.
Forensic scientists gather evidence
Forensic scientists gather evidence to reconstruct a case to find the answers of where, what, when and who is involved
Juries are becoming better educated about forensics
Television crime dramas have had an effect on juries. Juries are much more aware of forensic evidence now than they were 40 or 50 years ago. A lack of forensic evidence may be seen as favourable to a defendant, and the defence counsel is likely to emphasise its absence.
Programme details: Our Changing World.
Related content
Try this activity to help your students learn about the collection and processing of DNA evidence and using DNA profiling to solve a crime.
Use these articles to find out more about forensics and DNA and collecting evidence at a crime scene.
Useful link
Forensics covers much more than catching criminals. Visit PHF Science (New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science) website for an overview of forensic science.
