Sunday, February 15, 2009

The CSI Effect

Prosecutors these days complain about the "CSI effect": the belief among jurors that a case isn't proven unless there's some whiz-bang lab work involved. Most cases, of course, are more about individuals saying "this is what I saw". Prosecutors have to try to work around the CSI effect. Sometimes works, sometimes doesn't. I stole this from a colleague, but it's too good to pass up:

Q (prosecutor): Who here watches CSI? (Lot's of hand raise)
Q: Juror #7, do you believe CSI is realistic?
A: No
Q: Can you give me an example of how CSI is unrealistic?
A: All the women wear low cut blouses.

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