Introduction to the case
Polygraph tests are widely known as lie detector tests. Worldwide there have always been debates on whether or not it is admissible in courtrooms. In some jurisdictions, judges are cautious to admit its results as part of evidence while some jurisdictions have accepted polygraph results as evidence with an open arm. So, what are some of the instances where this has occurred .
The Case of Frye v. United States (1923)
This is one of the first cases that brought u the issue of admissibility of polygraph results. In Frye v. United States, the defendant tried to introduce polygraph results to support his innocence. But the judge in the case established the “Frye Standard,” instead. This standard was that scientific evidence must be sufficiently established and accepted by the relevant scientific community to be admissible. This case was a judicial precedent because it influenced the admissibility of polygraph evidence for decades.
United States v. Scheffer
this case was a court martial proceeding and the Supreme Court addressed the issue of admissibility of polygraph evidence. Based on Military Rule of Evidence 707 the military judge denied the introduction of lie detection test results as evidence. The Court of Appeals and Supreme Court had dissenting views on whether or not lie detection tests should be allowed.
The Green River Killer Case
in the Green River Killer Case, admissibility of polygraph test results played a crucial role in the case. Gary Ridgway who was the accused passed a polygraph test during the early investigation stages of the case. Since he passed the test, his apprehension was delayed even though he was later arrested. With the admissibility of these lie detection test results, the debate on the pitfalls of relying on these results continues”
The Case of Aldrich Ames
Aldrich Ames, a former CIA officer turned Soviet spy, underwent and passed multiple polygraph examinations during his espionage activities. He averted convictions for several crimes because he knew how to maneuver his ways when carrying out lie detection tests. The polygraphists were not able to detect his lies. It is cases like these that still make people question judges who decide to accept lie detector test results in their legal proceedings.
The Use of Polygraphs in Post-Conviction Settings
judges have also permitted the use of polygraph test results in post-conviction settings. It has been used severally to monitor sex offenders on parole. In England and Wales, for example, the Offender Management Act 2007 introduced polygraph testing to monitor serious sex offenders, and it became compulsory in 2014. Although it is not used by judges as evidence of a new crime, the results can influence parole decisions and conditions in the future’
Polygraph Evidence in Military Courts
Military courts have their standards regarding polygraph admissibility. In United States v. Scheffer (1998), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the President could prohibit the use of polygraph evidence in military courts without violating the accused’s rights. It shows that military courts have the discretionary power to determine how evidence can be admitted or not.
The Case of R v Béland in Canada
In the Canadian case of R v Béland (1987), the Supreme Court of Canada addressed the admissibility of polygraph evidence. The court concluded that polygraph results were inadmissible, emphasizing concerns about their reliability and the potential to usurp the jury’s role in assessing credibility. If polygraph evidence is to be admitted the judge who admits it must be cautious because of how lie detection test results can be manipulated.
Conclusion
the admissibility of polygraph test results has always been a contentious issue in our legal system. But, these 7 instances show how and why judges allowed it during the legal proceedings. Since technology is constantly evolving and the legal system evolves with it, there will always be debates about the admissibility of lie detector test results during legal proceedings. At Sneaky Cat Private Investigations & Process Serving we know that you want the best polygraph examiners in OKC to carry out lie detection for you. You can get more insights into our services by checking our website at www.oklahomaprivateinvestigations.com. Do well to contact us at Keefe@PrivatelnvestigatorOKC.com or (405) 407-2891 and we will be ready to help you.
