Introduction

In todays world, the media is a very influential part of our daily lives. With many

Commented [1]: I liked the way your introduction set

up the rest of the paper. It gave a good idea to what it
was going to be about without giving too much
information. I also liked that you gave actual names to
the influential bias's people had when it came to the
judicial system.

different resources we can access it is hard not to start to believe things that you hear and see on
the internet, or on television. Specifically, the media doesnt always portray our judicial system
accurately which leads to inaccurate beliefs about how it works. It is easy to get caught up in the
misconceptions about our judicial system. This paper explores the roles that crime shows take in
shaping our society today, specifically in altering our perspectives of the judicial system that we
have setup. My research will look at a variety of different crime shows, and the factual basis of
the shows. Specific shows I will be focusing on are Criminal Minds, CSI, Law and Order, How
to Get Away with Murder, Prison Break, and Orange is the New Black. These all involve the
law, crime, or the judicial system, which gives a good range of the types of theme they are
portraying to viewers. This will help me decide what types of shows are more common as well
since they can be sorted into different categories. I will be conducting research by first asking the
interviewees to rank the shows given from favorite to least favorite. Then I will ask them
generalized questions, no matter what their response was. This will help me to be able to
compare the shows, and see what is most appealing to viewers. The reason for the research is
because people are so heavily influenced by media around them that they will easily believe the
first thing they see on television, or the internet. In trying to produce more rating television
shows have moved toward more dramatic episodes, instead of sticking to the facts. By finding
out what viewers like to see and trying to incorporate factual information in the episodes it can
make the public more knowledgeable about our judicial system as a whole, while also being
enjoyable to watch. Some bias may occur throughout the study, although I will try to stay as
neutral as possible since I have an interest in these particular shows. I have watched most of

Commented [2]: I would suggest you keep the idea

and concept of this paragraph but change the sentence
formation. The flow of the paragraph could be better.
You can do this by explaining the research just a little
more thoroughly so the reader doesn't get confused.

them, while some I have not. Another bias that may occur is my lack of knowledge for our
judicial system, although I would like to think that I know a lot about our system there might be
some parts that I do not know as clearly. I would say I am not heavily influenced by the practices
done on these shows, nor do I believe most of them could be possible, but as I said, I still watch
them which could lead to potential bias.

Literature Review
People all around the world tune into a variety of different television shows relating to
crime every week. Each gives us a look into the lives of criminals, crime, and the judicial
system. Although not always portrayed accurately people love the drama filled scenes because it
gives them an inside look on a life most people will never have. How to Get Away with
Murder is a show that has done just that. This is a perfect example of how crime shows like this
have altered perceptions of crime, law and the judicial system as well as giving people an
experience through television they will probably never get to experience themselves.
Rath (2011) and Papke (2007) both show that television shows sometimes change the
way an investigation would be done or enhance the emotion in a court room to make the show
better. Both sources mention the CSI effect, which is the exaggerated portrayal of forensic
science on crime television shows such as CSI. This has such a strong influence on viewers that
they believe these practices are similar to real courtrooms. Rath (2007) says that jurors are
influenced now by scientific evidence shown in the shows. John Grossman, the undersecretary of
forensic science and technology for Massachusetts, says shows such as CSI make them believe if
they dont get high-level science then it is not correct. He also stated that we don't have the

resources to do them and in many cases, the science doesn't exist to do them." In shows evidence
is made more shocking while opening and closing statements are more emotional, aggressive and
elaborate. Most people dont realize this is not how it is in an actual courtroom. When Elijah
Geniesse (personal communication) was asked why do you think most people who watch crime
shows such as How to Get away with Murder believe that the practices in the show are
realistic? he responded with most Americans are easily persuaded by what they see on
television because people are quick to believe anything that they hear or see on television. Most
viewers have not had experience working in crime inclusive situations so they base their
expectations off of what they see in the show. According to Seigel (Interviewer) the public
thinks that the crime rate is higher than it actually is because of television shows and media. This
is due to an effect called the mean world syndrome, people who spend a lot of time with media
content tend to think the world is a more violent place regardless of where that violence actually
takes place. One study indicated that 66 percent of people thought that crime was higher than it
actually was in October of 2011 (Saeler 2011). In relation to that another study from New
Orleans media found that police statistics indicated that .04 percent of all crimes were homicides
but about 50 percent of all crime stories on local television were about homicides (Lowry, Nio,
and Leitner, 2003). Portraying crimes more often than they happen is another reason for people
to be easily persuaded into thinking differently about crimes. Television shows create mistrust,
exaggerated perceptions of criminal cases, and bad beliefs about law enforcement. Another show
that relates to misconception of our judicial system is called The Night Of. Deggans (2016)
proves why viewers would think this. He talked about how in the script for the show Naz, the
defendant, and his defense attorney were having a conversation, and his defense attorney told
him the key to winning the case was being able to tell a better story. Naz then objected by saying

he didnt want to tell a story, he wanted to tell them the truth. His attorney said no, you really
dont. This makes the audience believe there is a corrupt system. Another example of this is
when Gooch (2014) talks about the secrecy of our big businesses and court systems. He goes on
to talk about how people will do whatever it takes to get away with illegal actions. This gives
reason for the public to not want to trust the people who are supposed to protect us. These
examples show how media can alter the mind of people into believing our judicial system is
corrupt.
Since many Americans will not face any serious legal trouble in their life it is hard for
them to get a picture of what its like to be in court. This makes them base most their opinions on
television shows because they dont know if its right or wrong. Spitz (2000) states that 95
percent of Americans receive their information about our judicial system based on television

Commented [3]: I would expand on this topic. You can

talk more in depth about the actuality of the average
american to get in legal trouble. You can also include
statistics such as percentages of it to make your point
more concrete.

shows. He says that rather than turning to news they look to fictional characters to get their
information from. People rely only on these aspects to teach them about the judicial system.
These shows need to get them right, according to Rotunda (1999). If the media could more
accurately portray the judicial system it would help with this issue since society is influenced
heavily by our technology around us. In an interview Elijah Geniesse (personal communication)
said In order to get good ratings television producers need to dramatize everything so that they
can peek interest of watchers. Most of the things that happen in shows could never happen.

Entering the Conversation

People turn on their televisions to be entertained, no matter what they are watching the
main purpose is to keep their focus, to be interested enough to stay tuned for the duration of the

Commented [4]: This sentence doesn't give the reader

more of an understanding of what you're talking about.
It doesn't have much use so I would suggest you
explain what Rotunda meant by that or take it out.

program. Does this mean that you cant have factual information that still captures your
audiences attention? I find it interesting that people are so captivated by a television show that it
starts to influence their mindsets, and the way they perceive things. I would like to conduct a
series of interviews and surveys that compares crime television shows to reveal why people like

Commented [5]: The first sentence can be tweaked.

You should break it up into 2 sentences instead of 1. I
would also add a transition sentence in between the
first and second sentence with the question. That
would make it less abrupt and easier to read.

crime shows.
To conduct my study, I will use both qualitative and quantitative methods. I will use
surveys to determine whether someone watches crime shows, because this will be easy and not
time consuming. I also will use a survey to have the participants rank their show from most
favorite to least favorite. I will then use qualitative information, which are the interviews, to ask
specific questions about the shows. I will be looking for 30 people to interview because I want at
least 25 people, and I understand that some may drop out. 150 random students at UNCC will be
asked if they watch crime television shows, based on their answer I will then randomly pick 30
people to conduct my interviews. The survey will have different categories of popular crime
television shows such as Criminal Minds, CSI, Law and Order, Orange is the New Black, and
How to Get Away with Murder. Each participant must watch one episode of each of the shows as
a requirement. The interview groups will then be asked to rank the shows from most liked to
least liked, and then explain their reasoning after watching the shows. The surveys will be
conducted online, so it is easy for ranking the shows and quick responses. The interviews will
also be online but they will be short response questions that they will later answer once chosen.
I will ask the same questions for everyone despite the show that they rank highest to
compare the reasoning behind the liking for the show. The participants will first be asked to rank
the shows from 1-5. Afterwards they will be asked interview questions.
Please rank the following from least favorite (5) to favorite (1)

Commented [6]: Explain what qualitative and

quantitive mean. To a reader who doesn't know, it
would help a lot. A short explanation of the two will give
the reader a better understanding from the start instead
of having to look for it while reading.

Criminal minds
CSI
Law and Order
How to Get Away with Murder
Orange is the New Black
Interview questions asked:
1.

Why would you rank this show as being your favorite? What aspects of the show
make it the most interesting to you?

2. How much of the show do you think is based on facts?

3. How you say that this influences your behavior toward crime or the judicial system?
4. What are the chances that if the show was more fact based you would still be as
interested in it? Does changing the content of the show make you less likely to watch it
again, or as often?
5. Why is your least favorite show ranked that way? What about the show is unappealing to
you?
I would ask these questions to try to figure out the differences between shows, and what
is a similar in the shows. By doing this it shows the different types of crime shows most people
enjoy. I put How to Get Away with Murder on the list because I feel it is more related to the
judicial aspect of things, and has more involvement with courts. I decided to include Orange is
the New Black because this deals with jails, but also shows a lot of corruption in the jail itself
which distorts views of our system as a whole. Criminal Minds and CSI are similar in their
investigation techniques, and have a lot of crime involvement. Law and Order blends the two,

Commented [7]: Instead of just typing this list out you

should add a backdrop to it or a border around it as if it
were the real study you are giving someone. This can
add some real life examples to your entering the
conversation.

with have police procedurals and courtroom involvement. I wanted a variety of shows to get a
better understanding.
I think with this data I can help further research be started to find the factual basis of
these shows and eventually find out how to alter the shows. Instead of trying to create new shows
to accurately portray our judicial system I believe that you can alter content into being something
that viewers would still want to watch, but also benefit from watching it. Since many of these
shows already have such a high viewing rate gradually altering the show to make it more
informative should have no effect on the viewers loyalty to the show. If so I would also like to
find out why they feel this way. Why does making something true take away from the drama?
Conclusion
Throughout this paper, I have discussed the influence media has on viewers of crime
television shows, and how this portrays our judicial system. I have gone further to research the
reason behind viewers watching crime television shows, to later aid in finding out the factual
basis of these shows. This incorrect portrayal of crime shows has led many people to believe in
practices that could never actually happen but are dramatized on television. People who have
little contact with the judicial system have little to rely on except these shows. I believe through
research we can alter television shows that are already popular and have a wide variety of
viewers to make the shows more gradual. This does not mean that everything has to be fact
based. Since most people are only interested in these types of shows for the drama and mystery
this means we can gradually create a more realistic portrayal of these shows to properly educate
viewers. In earlier research Rotunda (1999) the point made was that if we could alter the content
of the television shows to make them more accurate we could help society to be more aware of
their judicial system since it is so important.

Based on research I have done I think that it would be easy, and more effective to
transition shows such as Criminal Minds, CSI, etc., to be more authentic. Since these shows have
such a wide fan base already they would continue to watch the programs. Some might not even
notice the scientific differences, if the suspense is still there. This will slowly help to change the
views of people so that as Spitz (2000) said previously the 95 percent of Americans who get their
information about our judicial system from television shows will be more informed, and
hopefully that number will decrease. The research I have done has backed up the previous
research done by looking into why Americans are influenced by the shows, and what types of
shows they watch. It also helps to focus in on how to change these wrong views, which continues
the research I mentioned earlier. This is an easy fix to the situation, the only thing that the
television shows will need to change is some of their content that has to do with scientific
evidence, practices in the courtrooms, and just make it slightly more realistic. This is not a
complete for these shows, just minor changes that most people wont notice, to benefit the
viewers. I think that being educated about something as important as our judicial system is
something that should be enforced. Since we have come to an age where technology affects our
daily lives, this has come to be one of the easiest, most possible way to do it. Other research can
be done to further enhance these shows, by finding the balance between fiction and fact. More
research can be done to figure out the specific areas that people lack knowledge in, specifically
certain areas that are commonly not well known. Crime shows have continued to captivate
viewers because most will never live a life like on the shows, and will continue to come up with
new shows every year. By making sure these shows are as realistic as possible our future
generations can become more educated, and not even know it.

Citations
Rath, A. (2011) Is The CSI Effect Influencing Courtrooms? Retrieved from
http://www.npr.org/2011/02/06/133497696/is-the-csi-effect-influencing-courtrooms

Gooch, C., (2014) The difference between corporate privacy and secrecy Retrieved from
http://ideas.ted.com/the-difference-between-corporate-privacy-and-secrecy/

Papke, D. R., (2007) The Impact of Popular Culture on American Perceptions of the Courts
Factulty Publications Paper 134. http://scholarship.law.marquette.edu/facpub/134

Seigel, R. (Interviewer) & Trump, D. (Interviewee) & Usher, N. (Interviewee) & Obama, B.
(Interviewee) (2016) Why The Public Perception Of Crime Exceeds The Reality
[Interview Transcript]. Retrieved from NPR.org web site
http://npr.org/2016/07/26/487522807/why-the-public-percepton-of-crime-exceeds-thereality

Saeler, A. (2011) Unreality TV: The Media and Crime Rates Retrieved from
http://www.civicinstitute.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Civic-ColumnSummer-2011.pdf
Deggans, E. (2016) The Night Of: A Gripping And Timely Look At American Criminal
Justice Retrieved from
http://npr.org/2016/07/10/485432492/the-night-of-hbo-series-on-criminal-justice-arrivesat-a-fitting-time

Spitz, D. M., (2000) Heroes or Villains? Moral Struggles vs. Ethical Dilemmas: An
Examination of Dramatic Portrayals of Lawyers and the Legal Profession in Popular
Culture Nova Law Review, Page 4. http://nsuworks.nova.edu/nlr

Rotunda, R. (1999) The Legal Profession and the Public Image of Lawyers The Journal of
Legal Profession, Retrieved from
http://www.law.ua.edu/pubs/jlp_files/issues_files/vol23/vol23art03.pdf

Geniesse, E. (personal communication, October 2016)

Lowry, D., Nio, T., Leinter, D. (2003) Setting the Public Fear Agenda: A Longitudinal Analysis
of Network TV Crime Reporting, Public Perceptions of Crime, and FBI Crime Statistics
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