ABSTRACT
Forensic science is a matter of public interest and fascination. Representations of forensic science have shaped public understandings, whether through print sources, such as news articles and novels, entertainment media, such as film and drama, or the broader mediascape that includes podcasts and a range of social media platforms. These technologies present new ways for members of the public not only to consume content, but also to create content. This chapter considers how forensic science is represented in fictional portrayals as well as in ‘true’ accounts. It identifies several impacts of mediated representations on public understandings of forensic science. These impacts include the crossovers from reality to fiction, and also from fiction to reality; possible effects on real criminal justice processes associated with the viewing of fictional portrayals of forensic science; and material consequences for victims and offenders due to unchecked discussion of cases on social media. The ways in which forensic science is represented are likely to influence public views on how forensic science should be used in real life, because they reflect a key source of information about forensic science. From the point of view of critical forensic studies, public conversations about forensic science developments and their potential implications, as well as media and forensic literacy, are vital to enhancing public understandings of forensic science.
