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Articles » Crime Scene And
Physical Evidence
Are You Telling the Truth?
Caryn Hammer
The polygraph is a scientific recording device designed to register a person's bodily responses to being questioned. Since no machine can recognize when a person is lying without question, the polygraph results are used in conjunction with other evidence, observations, and information. While many factors can affect test accuracy, the polygraph can provide a basis for an evaluation of whether or not the subject's answers are truthful and is helpful in freeing innocent persons accused of crimes.
Recently, to aid in the Jon Benet Ramsey case, John and Patsy Ramsey agreed to take a polygraph test. The Ramseys were tested eight times over four days by two examiners, with the first set of five exams coming back inconclusive and the second set showing they were truthful. The results, however, are not unanimously determined to prove innocence. Some detectives believe that the lie detector can be beaten easily, by controlling breathing patterns or practicing to answer questions. In addition, authorities refused to accept the results since the tests were not administered by the FBI.
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