Media Influence on Perception of Criminal Justice

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

characteristics compared in regards to television crime shows and real life crimes (The Top Criminal).

Television crime shows, such as “CSI” (Crime Scene Investigation) or “Law and Order” are popular amongst viewers. In both articles, crime shows allows readers to witness some of the things that happen in these shows within their hour long run times. Similar to real life criminal investigations, television crime shows start with a gruesome situation, stumbled upon in various ways. As time goes on the investigation takes place with a gathering of significant evidence, mainly DNA of some sorts and potential suspects. However, depending on if the crime show is more focused on the crime scene investigations or the law, a trial may be shown. This include the judge, jury decisions, and sentencing. No matter which of the two are the main focus of the show, in the summation of any investigation, real life or crime show, a conclusion about the crime is made. Surprisingly, as these television crime shows are being aired, viewers formulate their own opinions, allowing misconceptions about the criminal justice system to arise.

Misconceptions within the articles concerning the criminal justice system starts with time. Time is crucial in a crime scene investigation, ranging from as minute as a couple of months to as long as years. Television crime shows never leave a case unsolved within its hour of air time, showing the criminal justice system always solves its cases. Unfortunately, all cases do not get solved, no matter how much time is invested. More so, crime shows use all their time to solve only one case, but in reality, a number of cases are being worked on simultaneously. The more critical cases are prioritized over less severe cases. Sometimes, the criminal may not leave any DNA at the crime scene either, like in the shows, leaving investigators in a bind. Due to lack of evidence and good frame work there is also an alternative chance of catching the wrong person. For example, in a recent episode of CSI, a lady who'd killed her husband had also burned the body and the tools she used too kill him. Sadly, she got away with it due to lack of evidence.

Are misconceptions about the criminal justice system unavoidable?

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

real.

Television crime shows are an exciting and fast way to gain knowledge about the criminal justice major. Because the main goal of these shows is to entertain, sometimes misconceptions about the major arise. However, viewers get a brief understanding of some of the jobs, rules, and protocols of the criminal justice major.