Lie-Detecting MRI to be Used at Trial?

brain scan

We’ve written about the lie-detector uses of fMRI exams before (see here and here).

Now it looks like Brooklyn attorney David Zevin is trying to get it introduced for the first time in a real life court case. (The previous attempt, aimed at using it during sentencing in a San Diego case, was later withdrawn.) It’s an employer-retaliation case, which has devolved into a “he-said/she-said stalemate.” Zevin’s client says she stopped getting good assignments after she complained about sexual harassment. A co-worker says he heard the supervisor give that order, and the supervisor says he never did. So at Zevin’s request, the co-worker underwent an fMRI to see if he’s telling the truth when he says he heard that order.

Needless to say, there is opposition to letting this kind of evidence come in. There’s a pretty good discussion of the whole thing, believe it or not, over at Wired.

(H/T Neatorama)

[P.S. – We were almost about to type something like “We find ourselves strangely attracted to these kinds of stories. But we understand if you may be repulsed.” Fortunately, we have refrained from doing anything like that. You’re welcome.]

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1 Response

  1. May 7, 2010

    […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Nathaniel Burney. Nathaniel Burney said: The Criminal Lawyer: Lie-Detecting MRI to be Used at Trial? – http://tinyurl.com/2wuzlkl […]

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