 New York University professor Tom R. Tyler argued that , from a psychological standpoint , crime shows are more likely to increase the rate of convictions than acquittals , as the shows promote a sense of justice and closure which is not attained when a jury acquits a defendant . The perceived rise in the rate of acquittals may be related to sympathy for the defendant or declining confidence in legal authorities . A 2006 survey of U.S. university students reached a similar conclusion : the influence of CSI is unlikely to burden prosecutors , and may actually help them . 
