Table of Contents
- A Meta-Analysis of the CSI Effect: The Impact of Popular Media on Jurors' Perception of Forensic Evidence
- Evaluating Walkability and Bikeability in a Campus Setting
- Who Votes for Taxes? An Examination of Voter Support for Local Property Taxes
Article
Author: Gordon Eatley, Harry H. Hueston, & Keith Price
Abstract: The CSI effect describes the perception in the criminal justice system, popular media, and general population that consumption of crime-based television programming focusing on the forensic sciences has created a juror bias toward the requirement of forensic evidence at trial to justify a conviction. It is proposed that this bias has resulted in increasing the burden of proof laid upon the state at trial from beyond a reasonable doubt to beyond any doubt. This raised standard of proof has allowed guilty defendants to go free because of this bias. This article provides a meta-analysis of empirical studies of the CSI effect that examine the behavior of jurors and the influence of popular media on the trial decision-making process.
Article
Evaluating Walkability and Bikeability in a Campus Setting
Authors: Xiangyu Li, Praveen Maghelal, Yi-en Tso, Mattew Ryan, Julia Durodoye, Pongpruk Wangpatravanich, & Kimberly Jensen
Abstract: This study identifies how well a road or a pathway can serve the needs of pedestrians and cyclists on a university campus. An audit of campus walkability and bikeability is designed to capture objective and perceived aspects of road use for bikers and walkers. By analyzing the audit results, we present the walkability and bikeability scores of every road segment on 2 maps created using GIS to identify the patterns of road quality. Advantages and challenges of using an audit as well as suggestions are made for campus decision-makers to enhance green transportation.
Article
Who Votes for Taxes? An Examination of Voter Support for Local Property Taxes
Authors: John David Rausch Jr.
Abstract: This article examines voter support for local property taxes by focusing on two rare elections in Randall County, Texas, in 2001. This area is growing in population causing some conflict between rural and suburban residents. The data used to analyze voting patterns in both elections were collected by exit polls and indicates that rural-suburban conflict can be seen in the votes on both issues that were subjects of the elections. This research also contributes to our understanding of the public's relationship with two local governments: counties and school districts.