You’re right, there are two sides. It’s good the prosecutors and defense teams are kept on their toes, too. The CSI creator says all their equipement is real, and I’m sure that’s true. The thing is that the vast majority of labs in this country can’t afford it or to train people how to use it.

Thanks!

Thank you. I could see it going both ways, actually. If the jurors don’t understand how forensics work and that they’re not like they are on TV, the effect could go both ways as the defense is saying. Circumstantial evidence can be compelling but is being pushed aside for the kind of evidence you mentioned. You’re right, it is fascinating. Thanks!

Thanks, will do!

Absolutely. As much as I love Bones, they probably fall in the same category. Some of their equipment and abilities – especially Angela’s – are just off the charts. I don’t even know if all that technology exists. And that’s another good point I didn’t touch on – on tv, it’s all about one case, but in real life, there are several to juggle resources and funds for.

Thanks so much!

Nice post.

Malcolm

Wow, thanks so much. This was tricky for me to cover because there’s so much information out there, and sorting out what was relevant was difficult. That’s so true – potential jurors are much more affected than they realize, I think. It’s not that they’re naive, it’s just that we are inundated with flashy forensics and it’s hard to know what’s real and what isn’t. How cool you’re a retired investigator! I would love to pick your brain sometime.

Thanks so much for commenting, and welcome to the blog:)

Thanks. I don’t watch CSI. I did watch SVU and of course still watch Criminal Minds. The First 48 is a great show and very realistic. I think it’s on A&E, maybe? Yes! I loved Crime360. I think you can get that on Netflix. There is another one called Case Files that’s good, too. I’m the same way. For the most part, I enjoyed those more than fake show.

And me, too. Wish we could take a class together, lol?