Media Influence on Perception of Criminal Justice

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The criminal justice major is a major that branch off into many career paths. In today’s times, television shows are not only a source of entertainment, but an information source as well. Our perception of the criminal justice system is influenced by these television shows, showcasing both the good and bad one may experience in the major. Since all exposure is not good exposure, there are some misconceptions about criminal justice majors related to television crime shows. In the article “The ‘CSI Effect'...,” an example of the steps a crime investigation goes through in a typical television show is revealed, starting with a murder. After the murder victim is found, the crime scene is looked at by experts, who gathers evidence for further testing and leads. By the end of the hour long show, officers have caught their criminal due to some DNA matchup at the murder scene, and send him or her to jail (Arias). In another article “The Top Criminal Justice Misconceptions on Television,” time, personnel, fingerprints, caseloads, solved cases, DNA collecting, eyewitness testimony, and jurors are the main …show more content…

Although misconceptions may emerge, there are many advantages to television crime shows that uplifts the major. Viewers become educated about the different terminology being used in the shows. Sometimes viewers can even learn about basic rights they have as US citizens. For example, the rights to an attorney and the mandatory importance of a person to be mirandized at the point of arrest. Furthermore, television crime shows are advantageous at making viewers think. Eager to solve the cases just as the investigators on the screen, viewer unconsciously brainstorm the different possibilities of suspects based on what's already given. Many times they don't realize, but viewers are experiencing a vivid interpretation of what its like to be a crime scene investigator, even if its not

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