Introduction
Entertainment programs on crime such as CSI have created a perception now referred to as the âCSI effectâ. This is the response of the public who have been exposed to forensic science and eye witness evidence from a fictional point of view. As a result, the society now demands more from law enforcement agents, jurors and scientists. The decisions in court now appear to be based on whether or not there is availability of forensic evidence.
However, what the society fails to realize is that there is a distortion between what they watch on television and the reality. The evidence that seems to be easy to gather on television takes time and money. This distortion is not only spread through television but also print media. This paper examines how the media has affected the eye witness evidence, the jurorsâ knowledge and specialist testimony. It further examines whether crime dramas affect the public perception of forensic science and whether this influence affects court rulings.
Forensic evidence
Research on the CSI effect has shown there is a correlation between the need for forensic evidence in court and the increase in crime related programs. The availability of this type of evidence determines whether the accused is convicted or acquitted. This finding questions the integrity and reliability of the justice system, especially the decision made by the jury.
Court rulings were previously based on the law but with the increase in popularity of crime related programs, one is left to wonder if the jurorsâ judgment is fair. A study to determine the validity of the CSI effect on the public and the jury was carried out. The main aim was to establish whether the society believed that some proofs were more dependable than others; and whether crime dramas or other factors have an effect on these views.
The study was carried out over the phone and at least 1200 people were contacted. The people interviewed were from different races, 66 percent were white while 6 percent were African American.
Most of the respondents were college graduates with families. The average age was 51 years and more than 50 percent were women. About 30 percent had served in the justice department, 70 percent watched crime related programs, while 40 percent of the respondents were casualties of a crime. Nearly all the respondents believed that evidence presented in court varied significantly.
The results showed that DNA was regarded as the most efficient evidence. It was followed closely by fingerprints. The statement of medical experts and police testimony also received support from the public. However, the public seemed to have little faith in the injured party and eyewitness evidence.
Generally, scientific evidence proved to be more dependable compared to testimonies. The public felt the use of DNA as a proof was good enough. Nevertheless, this rule did not apply in rape or murder cases. The study showed majority of the respondents did not need scientific evidence to convict such offenders. This response was received more strongly for rape offenders as compared to the murder villains.
Bivariate Analyses
Bivariate examination of the study revealed several factors that influenced the responses received. These factors include race, sex, unfair treatment, country of birth, intellect and crime related programs. For example, a high percentage of white residents believed the statement of law enforcement agents and fingerprints as opposed to other types of substantiation. In addition, white people were not likely to rule on a murder case without forensic evidence.
Generally, white residents trust the justice system and the rule of law. On the other hand, women and scholars did not trust the evidence provided by eyewitness. The most dependable type of evidence for scholars was forensic proof, fingerprints and the testimony of law enforcement officers. Majority of the people who had served in the justice department thought the evidence of police was more dependable compared to medical specialist evidence.
Regression Analyses
A regression of the variables used in the study revealed the existence of a correlation between crime shows and the dependability of forensic evidence. Those people who spent more hours watching crime dramas voted forensic evidence as the most reliable proof.
This trend was mostly applied to individuals who watched the programs for more than three hours per week. There was no relationship between the academic level and the number of hours spent watching crime shows. Respondents with a high level of education believed that the eye witness evidence was not dependable.
The study confirmed that the most dependable form of proof is scientific evidence. Additionally, it verified that the number of hours spent watching crime dramas had a significant influence on the preference of evidence. Essentially, crime shows directly shaped the views of the public concerning forensic evidence.
Therefore, the availability of such evidence is important in a court of law. Based on these facts, it is clear that the public and the jurorsâ attitudes are not only affected by crime shows but also social and emotional factors. The jury can be influenced by the arguments of lawyers and their ability to support the evidence presented. There are other minor factors such as detest for the lawyers, prosecutors or judges.
âObjection, Your Honor! Television is not the relevant authority.â Crime drama portrayals of eyewitness issues
CSI effect on Jurorsâ
In the past, several cases of wrong judgments have been identified. Police have received confessions and testimony from the true perpetrators, long after the wrong person is imprisoned. A study was carried out with this information in mind. It targeted the crime related programs aired on the television. These programs are believed to be the prime source of knowledge for the public and the panel of judges. According to the study, the media has influenced the attitude of jurors in the courtroom.
Presently, the jury has a high expectation regarding the nature of proof to be presented during trial. Consequently, the jury looks forward to seeing the same technologically advanced evidence displayed in television in a real courtroom. If the proof presented does not match their expectations, the testimony is inadequate and the case is dismissed. Similarly, the jury has more confidence on evidence such as fingerprints. However, experts believe that such evidence is not sufficient and often leads to wrong judgment.
Research further reveals that the knowledge of the jury is affected by news coverage. The mediaâs perception of a certain topic has a significant impact on the jury. Jurors are more likely to believe the report presented by the media even if the evidence is inadequate. If new evidence likely to affect the integrity of the accused was broadcast by the media, then the message portrayed was likely to influence the views of the panel of judges.
In addition, any new information gathered by the media could easily change the direction of the trial. It has been noted that the jury do not take time to examine evidence presented by the media. What is aired in the news is acknowledged as the truth without further dispute. Research findings reveal that court rulings are based on the opinion of the public and the media.
CSI Effects on Eyewitness
Although the testimony of an eyewitness is based on what was actually seen, it has been noted that this type of evidence can also be influenced by television programs. The information that the society and the jury have on the evidence of an eyewitness is often gathered from crime scene dramas. To test the credibility of this information, a study was carried out to discover how eyewitness information and issues have changed over time.
The study involved comparison of the eyewitness evidence in the media and find the correlation of several variables. Based on this study, changes have been noted in several areas. For example, in most programs children are more precise about events. Most eyewitnesses remember exact particulars of the events regardless of the trauma experienced. The stress levels of witness had decreased over time. In addition, witnesses were likely to provide more information about what they saw or heard later.
Most of the programs had similar information about the behavior of a witness. For example, during trial, the evidence of an eyewitness can be shaped by words used to ask the questions. Similarly, the instructions given by law enforcement agents before a lineup can affect the readiness of the eyewitness to provide information. Violence during crime affects the chances of an eyewitness choosing a suspect in a lineup.
On the other hand, the confidence of an eyewitness may be influenced by other factors not related to the crime. The feelings and expectations of the eyewitness also shaped their testimony. Occasionally, witnesses are likely to identify a perpetrator because they had seen them before. These issues were consistent in most dramas, with a few exceptions such as use of weapons, lineup justice, instructions and level of violence.
The results of the study suggest that there is a balance in the information provided in the crime dramas. Some attributes about the eyewitness were credible while others were not. The study revealed that most of the issues experienced by an observer in television dramas were disguised. The script writers did not reveal their position on eyewitness issues. Essentially, no program portrayed a relationship between the accuracy of the information and eyewitness issues.
For example, in crime dramas, eyewitness had the ability to remember events that took place while they were intoxicated. In view of these findings, it is important for the society to carefully consider all the evidence presented in court before acting or ruling on a case. Moreover, there is need for the jurors to acquire the right information and avoid bias.
Tools and strategies for Quality Improvement and Patient Safety
Quality Health Care
The responsibility of doctors and care givers in medical centers is to provide quality health care. Quality health care refers to the provision of health services consistent with up to date specialized knowledge. However, majority of the health facilities face a challenge in this area. Errors and issues arising during provision of health care complicate matters. This complexity is the consequence of flawed structures and practices. Missing one step of a procedure or using the wrong chemical often results in errors that complicate the provision of healthcare.
According to the institute of medicine, there are six objectives of quality health care: successful, safe, tolerant, well-timed, professional and impartial. To achieve these goals, it is imperative that health personnel understand efficient procedures and practices. Some of the models currently adopted by institutions to improve the provision of quality health include measures and benchmarks, quality improvement strategies, plan â do- study- act, six sigma ,lean production system and failure modes and effects analysis
Measures and Benchmarks
To determine whether quality of health care has improved, there needs to be development in several areas. These developments need to be carefully considered, measured and documented. Measurement is significant because it proves that services are improving. If the hospital management receives numerous complaints about their services, then it is a sign that their services are poor. In the same way, evaluating results among different institutions will enhance performance.
The first measure of performance is results; there is need to see visible results. Secondly, the improvement should lead to changes in unrelated hospital practices and procedures. Thirdly, hospital staff needs to demonstrate leadership by diligently implementing the changes. For organizations to consistently measure results, they require outside benchmarks. The incessant comparison of results with other institutions is referred to as benchmarking.
Quality Improvement Strategies
Measurement can further be demonstrated by examining the organization, procedure and results of healthcare institutions. To assess the structure of a health centre, the following variables can be examined: the number of trained caregivers, availability of goods and services, accessibility of the hospital, the number of patients the hospital can accommodate at a time and the insurance policy.
To examine procedures, it is best to assess whether the staff comply with the set rules and regulations. Lastly, the measurement of results lies on client satisfaction and other factors like mortality rate. It is imperative to differentiate between research and quality improvement strategies.
Plan âDo- Study- Act
The Plan-Do-Study âAct is a cyclic model used to improve and make constructive amends in health care. The cycle begins with identifying a problem and planning the implementation of possible solutions. It is specific in nature and results oriented. The fundamental rule of this model is to make small regular adjustments as an alternative to major changes which take time to execute.
The main objective of the model is to find a practical or informal connection between change in procedures and results. Before implementing the model, the organization has to ensure that they have an objective which can be measured and realized. Once a change is made, the results are documented, assessed and reviewed to measure the outcome.
The six sigma and Lean production system
Six Sigma is a model used to improve processes or procedures. It uses an approached referred to as DMAIC. This approach seeks to identify, appraise, evaluate, improve and organize a project. There are two methods used with this model. The first method looks at the outcome of a process and determines the defects.
The second method estimates the potential of a process and predicts the results. It then calculates the disparity and converts the outcome to a sigma metric. The lean production system also known as the Toyota production system is similar to Six Sigma. However, the objective of lean production system is to determine the clientâs needs and eliminate processes that do not add value to the customer.
Failure Modes and Effects Analysis
For every process there is likelihood that mistakes will certainly take place. Failure modes and effect analysis is an approach used to establish and eradicate possible mistakes and issues from a process. By eliminating errors, this model ensures effectiveness in the organization. Correspondingly, it allows management to eradicate future disappointments.
Implementing Change
Good leadership is the most important requirement in the implementation of the quality improvement strategy models. Essentially, they need support from the board of directors. Without their support, the management can barely improve the system. The management should be dedicated to see changes in their processes and system. They should be prepared to make difficult decisions and risks. In the same way, they should be prepared to deal with employees who will try to fight the process of change.
Good communication can be used to assure such employees. In addition, the improvements require finances in order to implement the changes. These changes involve additional training of staff, hiring experts and installing new equipment. The personnel may be required to work for longer hours and carry out procedures they are not familiar with. In the initial planning stages, the management should identify sources of financial support.