OPOTA Ohio Peace Officer Basic Test 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The term 'CSI effect' refers to the phenomenon where jurors develop unrealistic expectations about forensic science and its capabilities as a result of watching crime shows like "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation." This effect tends to lead to an overestimation of what forensic evidence can prove and how it can be used in court. Jurors may expect all investigations to yield clear, definitive, and conclusive scientific evidence to support the case, which is often not the case in real-world investigations. This overestimation can influence their decision-making during trials, potentially leading to acquittals or convictions based on unrealistic standards regarding forensic evidence.

The other options highlight different courtroom dynamics, but they do not specifically address the impact on jurors’ perceptions caused by the dramatization of forensic science in media, which is at the core of the 'CSI effect.'