5 Things TV Gets Wrong About Criminal Law

One of the most-watched television genres revolves around crimes and court dramas. 

Although these television shows are extremely popular and have loyal viewing audiences, they still inaccurately portray criminal law, criminal procedures, and the role that attorneys, judges, and law enforcement officials play in the legal system. 

Here are five ways in which television shows are inaccurate when it comes to criminal law.

1. Cases Are Resolved Unrealistically Fast

Among the most significant ways television shows are inaccurate when it comes to criminal law is that criminal cases are resolved unrealistically quickly on the small screen. 

For instance, in many television shows, a crime may be committed, and the case may be resolved in a matter of hours. That works great for TV viewers with short attention spans, but a real criminal case can take weeks, months, or longer before it comes to a close.

If someone is arrested for a DUI, it might take longer than a 60-minute court drama to conclude. Hiring a good DUI defense lawyer is the best way to potentially fast-track the process. But a lot depends on whether or not the prosecution is interested in reaching some kind of settlement.

2. Interrogations Are More Restrained in Real Life

Police interrogations are often depicted as dramatic situations where criminals are pressured to confess their misdeeds. While law enforcement officials are allowed to carry out interrogations, there are limitations to what they can or cannot do. 

Case in point: A suspect has a right to remain silent and request an attorney during an investigation. Once a suspect asserts this right to remain silent, the investigation should immediately come to a halt. Moreover, there are limitations to what law enforcement officials can or cannot do to a suspect in order to compel the suspect to confess to crimes. 

In real-life situations, interrogations are covered by several laws that protect an individual’s rights. While interrogations are stressful, they’re not as dramatic as TV shows depict. 

3. Evidence Isn’t Always Admissible Just Because It Exists

TV shows may portray situations where law enforcement officials are able to obtain evidence, which makes such evidence admissible in a courtroom. However, in real-life situations, there are several limitations to what evidence law enforcement officials are allowed to present in court. 

Evidence can’t be admissible in a courtroom unless it has been obtained in a legal and appropriate manner. For example, law enforcement officials may be prevented from presenting evidence during a case if they violated an individual’s constitutional rights, such as the right to privacy. If law enforcement officials violated an individual’s right to privacy by engaging in an unlawful search and seizure, that could be enough to bar such evidence from the courtroom.

4. Lawyers Don’t Always Deliver Dramatic Courtroom Speeches

Lawyers in crime dramas are frequently shown delivering impassioned speeches that play a major role in influencing the judges as well as members of the jury. Though speaking skills are undoubtedly important in any legal profession, the formalities in the courtroom are more pronounced.

The attorney has to obey the procedures in presenting arguments, asking questions, and presenting evidence. The judge may limit the scope of argumentation to ensure that the main issue in the trial remains relevant to legal issues. 

A great deal of an attorney’s work happens outside the courtroom. This includes legal research, preparation of motions, and negotiation with the attorney representing the opposing party. 

5. Trials Aren’t As Common As TV Portrays Them To Be 

One of the biggest misconceptions people have about the criminal justice system is that all criminal cases eventually result in a trial. The reality, however, is that many criminal cases result in a plea agreement, where the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a series of charges in return for a favorable disposition of the case. 

While it’s true that trials occur in many criminal cases, TV shows make it appear as though court cases are a given.

Why These Misconceptions Matter

Television is for entertainment, and these misconceptions about criminal law might actually have real-world implications for people’s lives.

Misrepresentations on TV could create unrealistic expectations about how the justice system works when people are actually involved in a real-life case. For instance, people might think that a case will be resolved in a short order or that all evidence is admissible in a case.

Separating Fiction From Reality

Crime shows and other legal dramas continue to captivate audiences with their stories and plot twists. However, it’s vital to keep in mind that these shows are for entertainment purposes only.

Criminal law is a very complex process, and a lot of analysis is required to make sure that justice is served. It might not be as exciting as what is depicted in shows, but it’s a much more complex and structured process intended to achieve fair outcomes.

Keeping in mind the differences between what is depicted on TV and what actually happens in real life might help people enjoy their favorite shows for what they are—fiction.