The CSI effect occurs when the line between reality and fiction becomes blurred. The name CSI Effect is based on a well-known drama series of the same name (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation), in which the characters are forensic investigators based in Las Vegas. It was one of the most famous series in the United States. Due to its popularity, many people have started to believe that everything depicted in the series is factual when in fact, it is highly exaggerated. This also caused several series to be produced with the same idea; fast-paced, technologically advanced and highly dramatic forensic investigations, such as Without a Trace, Numb3rs and Criminal Minds. Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on "Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned"? Get an original essay According to a 2006 weekly television audience, more than 30 million people watched CSI: Crime Scene Investigation each night, while that more than 40 million people were watching two other series of the same 'genre'. These series also affected jurors' expectations of how quickly real forensic investigators can collect, document and interpret evidence. Most jurors who watched these series would request DNA evidence for almost every court case, thinking it is relevant to finding the right suspect. This also led people to believe that forensic evidence can always be accurate and can immediately identify the suspect. In research conducted by Podlas (2006), he asked a group of fictitious jurors to render a verdict on different cases. There was virtually no variation in their verdict, but those who were avid viewers of the CSI show needed more forensic evidence to validate a conviction, even if that required evidence was redundant or irrelevant. In general, the CSI effect led jurors to have higher expectations of forensic investigators. The CSI effect was first mentioned by attorney Andrew Thomas, the district attorney for Maricopa County, Arizona. He asserted that if the prosecution does not present forensic evidence – even if it is irrelevant or unavailable – jurors will refuse to convict or consider that there is a “reasonable doubt” justifying an acquittal. Despite the popularity of the CSI effect, there is virtually no research evidence directly proving that it can have a major impact on court decisions. Most of the "evidence" of the CSI effect comes from lawyers and law enforcement officers who were interviewed and said that it actually changed their trial strategies for reaching a verdict. The investigation only proves that it affected specific aspects of a trial procedure, but it did not greatly affect the jury's verdict. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Although CSI The effect is generally perceived as negative, but some positive effects accompany it. Most importantly, people now place more importance on forensic evidence and are more careful about how to behave themselves when in a situation involving forensic science. Overall, its positive effects cannot outweigh its negative effects, as this huge misunderstanding and disproportionate expectations can lead to unwarranted prosecution of an innocent accused..