Final answer:
The CSI effect is a phenomenon where the portrayal of forensic science in crime drama TV shows affects public expectations and perceptions of real-world criminal investigations and forensics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The CSI effect is a term used to describe the phenomenon where the popularity of crime television shows like CSI and NCIS influences the public perception of forensic science. Despite not being directly related to forensic science laboratories or the criminal justice system in terms of procedures, this effect refers to the unrealistic expectations it sets for real-world forensics and criminal investigations. People tend to have heightened expectations of the capabilities of forensic analysis, believing it to be faster, more decisive, and more prevalent than it actually is in the real world. This phenomenon can have various implications, such as affecting jury decisions in court, where jurors might expect overly conclusive forensic evidence to be presented, mirroring what they've seen in fictional crime dramas.