AND THE COURTS
As a tool of persuasion and advocacy, the polygraph stands alone because of its ability to slash the jugular vein of each case which must ultimately turn on whether one or more persons are attempting deception. If the credibility of the defendant can be established or destroyed in a criminal case, or if the plausibility of either party in a civil case can be demolished, there is nothing more to settle, nothing left for judge or jury except the assessment of penalty or awarding of damages. No other courtroom tool possesses this awesome power.
-- MARSHALL HOUTS, LL.B. 1
When polygraph idence is offered . . . , it is likely to be shrouded with an aura of near infallibility, akin to the ancient oracle of Delphi.
-- United States v. Alexander, 8th Circuit Court of Appeals,
1975"If the law supposes that," said Mr. Bumble . . . , "The law is an ass, an idiot."
-- CHARLES DICKENS, The Pickwick Papers
-249-
Questia, a part of Gale, Cengage Learning. www.questia.com
Publication information:
Book title: A Tremor in the Blood:Uses and Abuses of the Lie Detector.
Contributors: David T. Lykken - Author.
Publisher: Perseus Publishing.
Place of publication: Reading, MA.
Publication year: 1998.
Page number: 249.
This material is protected by copyright and, with the exception of fair use, may not be further copied, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means.
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