AntiPolygraph.org Message Board

Topic Summary - Displaying 3 post(s).

Posted by: orolan Posted on: Apr 9^th, 2003 at 4:03pm	Mark & Quote Quote
psu123, I agree 110% with George. Refuse the test and get a lawyer ASAP. And don't let your lawyer talk you into taking the test. As George said, the prosecutor wouldn't ask you to take it unless he needs it to shore up his case.

Posted by: George W. Maschke
Posted on: Apr 9^th, 2003 at 7:52am

Mark & Quote

psu123,

I strongly suggest that you not take the "test" and that you instead get a lawyer and not speak with police or prosecutors without legal counsel present. The on-line Martindale lawyer locator service may be helpful in finding a defense lawyer in your vicinity:

http://www.martindale.com

That the prosecutor would offer to drop charges if you "pass" a pseudocientific polygraph "test" is a good indication that the case against you is weak. Sometimes, such offers to drop charges are made contingent upon the suspect signing an agreement stipulating in advance that the results of the "test" will be admissible as evidence in court. If the suspect "fails," this may enable the prosecutor to win an otherwise shaky case. Conversely, if the suspect "passes," the prosecutor loses nothing (and perhaps gains political cover for the decision to drop charges).

It would be foolhardy for you to sign any such stipulation agreement, or to submit to a polygraph interrogation. Polygraphy is sheer pseudoscience, and telling the truth is no guarantee that you will pass. As used by police, polygraph "testing" is often little more than a pretext for luring a suspect into a hostile interrogation in the absence of legal counsel.

If you haven't already done so, download The Lie Behind the Lie Detector and see especially chapters 1 and 3.

With regard to the effects of anti-anxiety (or any other) medication on polygraphy, there is virtually no meaningful research on this subject.

Posted by: psu123
Posted on: Apr 9^th, 2003 at 4:43am

Mark & Quote

Quote

I have been asked to take a polygraph test concering a legal matter. If I "pass" the test the charges will be dropped, if I "fail" the test I will be charged. I am very concerned because the detective asked me if I had an Anxiety Disorder, which I do, and then he asked if I could not take my medication before the test. Does anyone know first if I should get a lawyer and not take the test, and second how could a polygraph be fooled - since it is claimed to be accurate - by anti-anxiety medication.
Freaked in PA

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