# What is extremely common in TV or movies but almost never happens in real life? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [February 6, 2021, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311 "2021-02-06T04:16:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 225
**Author:** ![Lumpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lumpy/32/446_2.png) [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2024, 5:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4487 "2024-12-28T05:36:20Z")
I always wondered where those posters got the outlaw’s likenesses. How many wanted men ever sat down for a photograph or a sketch artist? (A few, I know). ---
**Author:** ![Peter\_Morris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peter_morris/32/359_2.png) [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2024, 10:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4488 "2024-12-28T10:15:18Z")
Some criminals have prior convictions, and mug shots on record. Others crimes have witnesses who can provide a description of the criminal, and an artist can make an image. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2024, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4489 "2024-12-28T18:03:36Z")
> [@Peter\_Morris](#): > > Some criminals have prior convictions, and mug shots on record. > > Others crimes have witnesses who can provide a description of the criminal, and an artist can make an image. More difficult in old timey times which is where I picture most wanted posters. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2024, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4490 "2024-12-28T20:11:58Z")
John Mulaney’s description of what happens on every episode of _Law and Order_ is hilarious, true, and worth four minutes of your time if you have never seen it before. [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/LT5AlzCma7A/maxresdefault.jpg "What Every Episode of “Law & Order” Is Like - John Mulaney") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LT5AlzCma7A) ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2024, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4491 "2024-12-28T20:19:09Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > The Secret Service has claimed their agents more reliably detect false statements than the polygraph, or any other service of government. No idea what that was based on. I saw a documentary on this. It’s not the polygraph results but that people tend to furrow their brow when they lie and this tell is surprisingly accurate. The lie-detector test is simply the mechanism for asking the questions. ---
**Author:** ![Lumpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lumpy/32/446_2.png) [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2024, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4492 "2024-12-28T20:47:08Z")
> [@Dr\_Paprika](#): > > John Mulaney’s description of what happens on every episode of _Law and Order_ is hilarious, true, and worth four minutes of your time if you have never seen it before. He mentioned the Judge Who Allows Everything, but in contrast there’s also the Judge Who Tosses Out Everything: The district attorneys go in with video of the defendant committing the murder and a signed confession, but _ **noooo** _; because of the most niggling of procedural questions that’s OUT. Now the D.A.s have to make a case by pressuring the witness who begged them to not be named to testify in open court. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2024, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4493 "2024-12-28T20:49:39Z")
To be honest, I never watched the show much. I’m sure you are right. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2024, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4494 "2024-12-28T21:13:38Z")
> [@Dr\_Paprika](#): > > John Mulaney’s description of what happens on every episode of _Law and Order_ is hilarious, true, He forgets that either the Judge throws out the best evidence the police got, OR that the defense changes it’s verdict to something crazy- often literally. > [@Lumpy](#): > > He mentioned the Judge Who Allows Everything, but in contrast there’s also the Judge Who Tosses Out Everything: The district attorneys go in with video of the defendant committing the murder and a signed confession, but _ **noooo** _; because of the most niggling of procedural questions that’s OUT. Now the D.A.s have to make a case by pressuring the witness who begged them to not be named to testify in open court. Exactly. > [@Saint\_Cad](#): > > It’s not the polygraph results but that people tend to furrow their brow when they lie and this tell is surprisingly accurate. I was trained in some of those techniques- not just that but also- being evasive, or either sticking to a script or changing their story. Other things too,. But let’s not kid ourselves- all that stuff only leads to a suspicion, and you can keep questioning or maybe leads the investigation into a new direction. Yeah, I worked both retail and Security- unless some customer really stood out, you cant remember them. ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2024, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4495 "2024-12-28T22:49:55Z")
> [@Lumpy](#): > > but in contrast there’s also the Judge Who Tosses Out Everything: The district attorneys go in with video of the defendant committing the murder and a signed confession, but _ **noooo** _; because of the most niggling of procedural questions that’s OUT. I object to admitting this evidence since the police did not announce “Police!” before kicking in the door but as they were doing it. Sustained. ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2024, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4496 "2024-12-28T22:51:46Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > or either sticking to a script or changing their story That sounds like cop logic They didn’t change their story and everyone always changes one or two tiny details therefore they’re lying and guilty. OR They changed this one little detail in their story therefore they are lying and guilty. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2024, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4497 "2024-12-29T00:43:06Z")
> [@Saint\_Cad](#): > > > [@DrDeth](#): > > > > or either sticking to a script or changing their story > > That sounds like cop logic > They didn’t change their story and everyone always changes one or two tiny details therefore they’re lying and guilty. > OR > They changed this one little detail in their story therefore they are lying and guilty. Doesn’t matter since none of it is admissible. A surprising number of people just flat out confess while taking a polygraph. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2024, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4498 "2024-12-29T01:43:09Z")
> [@Saint\_Cad](#): > > They didn’t change their story and everyone always changes one or two tiny details therefore they’re lying and guilty. > OR > They changed this one little detail in their story therefore they are lying and guilty. No, people remember things oddly, a story should change somewhat. But not a huge amount. ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2024, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4499 "2024-12-29T01:57:53Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > No, people remember things oddly, a story should change somewhat. But not a huge amount. Notice I said police logic. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2024, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4500 "2024-12-29T02:13:06Z")
> [@Saint\_Cad](#): > > Notice I said police logic. But at least in the case of the feds , you are wrong. If someone repeats a story by rote, liek reciting a script- they have been coached. If their story varies widely each telling, with added details springing up- they are often making stuff up. Mind you- again, you cant convict anyone based on that- or at least you shouldnt. ---
**Author:** ![Peter\_Morris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peter_morris/32/359_2.png) [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2024, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4501 "2024-12-29T02:17:01Z")
Note - this is a discussion of things that happen in movies and TV. In movie logic, minor changes to the story = proof of lying, and sticking to the same story = proof of lying. Granted that you shouldn’t convict on that, but that is the point of the thread. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2024, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4502 "2024-12-29T02:19:57Z")
> [@Peter\_Morris](#): > > minor changes to the story = proof of lying, and sticking to the same story = proof of lying. No, neither one is used as proof of lying iIRL or in TV at least AFAIK. It’s rote memorization vs wild changes. ---
**Author:** ![markn\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2024, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4503 "2024-12-29T03:20:54Z")
> [@Saint\_Cad](#): > > Notice I said police logic. Just a minute, according to my notes you said “cop logic”. Are you changing your story now? ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2024, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4504 "2024-12-29T04:03:55Z")
IRL: I invoke my right to remain silent and have an attorney present. TV show: Let me explain what happened. ---
**Author:** ![scabpicker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scabpicker/32/8268_2.png) [@scabpicker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scabpicker)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2024, 7:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4505 "2024-12-29T07:03:41Z")
Heh, I dunno, in real life I told an acquaintance of mine “As your non-lawyer, I advise you to shut up” when he started to explain that the meth he was being arrested for wasn’t even for him, he was taking it to a friend. He looked at me like I was a jackass because he didn’t seem to understand that he was making a simple possession case into a distribution case by chatting away. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2024, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4506 "2024-12-29T14:55:58Z")
> [@Saint\_Cad](#): > > IRL: I invoke my right to remain silent and have an attorney present. > TV show: Let me explain what happened. Not unrealistic at all. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311.md?page=224) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311.md?page=226)