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The real CSI

Once an obscure and ill-defined science, forensics has captured the American imagination, as seen in numerous TV crime series. But how accurate are these shows? And what's it like to be a real crime scene investigator? Authorities employ tools and techniques to identify victims and suspects -- sometimes breaking open cases, sometimes without success, but almost always behind the scenes.
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• On the scene: Is "CSI" guilty of influencing U.S. courtrooms?
• Flash interactive: Collecting digital and other evidence
• DNA offers break to 20-year-old crimes | Backlogs undercut value
• Forensic classes give budding CSIs a reality check

REASONABLE DOUBT

A lack of standards, quality controls and training raises doubts at many forensic labs nationwide.

•  CNN Presents: Reasonable doubt
•  Gallery: Key cases and labs
•  Quiz: Forensics test
•  Video: Questions about bullet analysis
•  Video: When analysts are wrong

Does watching forensics shows like "CSI" make people better jurors?
Yes
No
I don't know
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FACT AND FICTION

CBS' "CSI" franchise has given Americans a look at crime solving in the 21st century. But real crime scene investigators note vast differences between them and their onscreen brethren, saying their jobs require more time, guesswork and luck than seen on TV. Gallery
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