The CSI Effect and What Happens When CSI Goes Awry

April 10, 2011

Thanks to popular television shows -- like CSI, Law & Order and Bones -- that highlight the role of forensic science in the criminal justice system, many jurors have heightened awareness of and expectations for forensic science in the courtroom. While this "CSI effect" has likely made forensic science more interesting to jurors, it can be problematic when jurors believe that forensic evidence is infallible.

The CSI Effect

Television programs featuring forensic science often impart the false notion that evidence from crime scenes can be found, analyzed and unmistakably linked to specific individuals all within a few days. However, potential evidence from a crime scene is often too degraded to be tested, and when it is tested, the results may be compromised by mistakes or even fabricated by dishonest crime-lab personnel.

CSI Gone Awry

A recent report from the Kansas City Star detailed an investigation into the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory, which performs crime scene investigation and forensic analysis for cases involving members of the military. The investigation revealed that lab personnel did not follow proper procedures and falsified lab results, calling into question many convictions that may have been based on faulty evidence.

According to Andrew Effron, Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, one crime-lab employee who handled hundreds of cases from 1995 to 2005 was revealed to have a "history of cross-contamination, violation of laboratory protocols, incomplete and incompetent analysis as a DNA examiner and thoroughness issues as a serology examiner."

Among other wrongdoing, the crime-lab employee failed to examine evidence that eventually exonerated a suspect in one case, and in other cases, he testified that DNA evidence existed when, in fact, it did not.

Further, problems with crime labs and forensic evidence are not limited to military crime labs. A recent report from the National Academy of Sciences, a science advisor to the federal government, highlighted several crime lab accuracy and reliability concerns. Among other problems, the NAS reported that many of the nation's crime labs:
- Are improperly connected with law enforcement
- Lack independent oversight
- Have inconsistent standards
- Are underfunded

These characteristics create environments ripe for mistakes, at best -- and corruption, at worst. The NAS said that the current state of crime labs is "a continuing and serious threat to the quality and credibility of forensic science."

Because forensic evidence is not always accurate or presented honestly, crime-lab results should not be taken at face value. Anyone accused of a crime needs a zealous and detail-oriented criminal defense attorney to make sure that forensic evidence is valid or explain how it fails to a jury. If you are facing criminal charges, promptly contact a criminal defense attorney to mount your legal defense.

Article provided by Paul Cramm
Visit us at www.kansascity-criminal-attorney.com