If you’re facing criminal charges, you may be wondering if a polygraph test can help your case. This kind of test has been used in criminal investigations for years, but there are still some misconceptions about what they are, what they can or can’t do, and their accuracy.
What are polygraph tests?
A polygraph test, also called a lie detector test, is a type of test used in criminal investigations that measures a person’s physiological reactions to questions in order to determine whether or not they are telling the truth. The test itself usually consists of two parts: an interview and the actual polygraph examination. During the interview, the polygraph examiner will ask the person getting tested questions about themselves and the crime they’re accused of. The examiner may be looking for any inconsistencies between what the subject says and what’s known about the case.
The actual polygraph examination is where the subject gets hooked up to a machine that measures their heart rate, blood pressure and respiration. The examiner may ask the subject more questions about the crime, and the machine will record any changes in the person’s physiological reactions. These changes are then used to determine whether or not the person is telling the truth.
Are these tests admissible in court?
In general, polygraph test results are not admissible as evidence in criminal trials. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if both the prosecution and the criminal defense agree to allow the results of a polygraph test to get used as evidence, then they can be admitted.
Another exception is if the results of the polygraph test are used to impeach a witness. This means that if someone takes the stand and testifies, and the defense lawyer believes that the witness is lying, the defense attorney can use the results of a polygraph test to try to prove that the witness is not telling the truth.
How accurate are these tests?
Polygraph tests are not 100% accurate, but they are generally considered to be reliable. That means that if a person fails a polygraph test, there is a good chance that they are actually lying. However, there are some factors that can affect the accuracy of the test. For example, if the person taking the test is nervous or anxious, that can skew the results.
Therefore, if you are considering taking a polygraph test, it is important to understand both the strengths and the limitations of this kind of testing. Just remember that, while polygraph tests can be helpful, they are not always accurate, and you may need other evidence to support your case.