Question

Psychology and Law
Chapter 3

Discuss your thoughts regarding the use of the polygraph. Do you agree on the use of polygraph test during a trial why or not. Use some examples. Minimum of 15 sentences

Answer 1

• I think polygraph testing is a myth, the reality is that a polygraph machine does not have any capacity for detecting the truth or falsity of a statement.Rather, it measures a person's biological processes to determine if they are experiencing a physiological event, such as an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. These conditions are considered to be indicators that someone may be lying, as the increased stress of telling a falsehood creates a subtle, but measurable change in one's vital readings.
• I dont think is liable to be used as a full proof evidence against criminals in courts.Unfortunately, dozens of other factors can also affect the readings detected by a polygraph machine.
• For instance, nervousness of any kind could read with the same increase in activity as a lie. This nervousness could simply be caused by being concerned about the test giving a false positive, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.
• As a result, polygraphs have been successfully challenged on several occasions in various jurisdictions on the basis of their scientific uncertainty. Because the results of a polygraph test can mean many things and are so unreliable in detecting actual lies, they do not rise to the level of reliability required for scientific evidence in a courtroom and polygraph test results are usually inadmissible as evidence.
• Of course, as with most things in a courtroom, every rule has its exception. In the rare instance that both parties agree that the results of a polygraph exam should be admissible for some reason, the court could allow it as evidence.
• Polygraphs are also commonly used as part of the screening process for certain types of jobs, such as law enforcement and some high level security positions. Nevertheless, for purposes of court procedures, absent a stipulation of the parties, the results of a lie detector test are likely never admissible.
  
• So,I think even if it is allowed to be used it is not completely full proof and indicating the lies of the criminals.But it can be used to provide a psychological profile of the individual just to make the trial more clear and collect more evidence.