Argumentative Essay On Polygraphs

620 Words2 Pages

Throughout all of history the issue of lies has always been a setback in the progress of society, and many people have come along with inventions that attempt to uncover the truth. The polygraph, according to Merriam Webster, is “an instrument for recording variations of several different pulsations simultaneously” and can also be referred to as a lie detector. The idea originated in 1902, and polygraphs still have not been perfected, meaning it is commonly recognized as unreliable. The judicial and legislative branches of the United States have recognized this, and we have many laws put in place that outlaw the use of forced polygraph readings. To better understand the use of polygraphs, it is important to examine the federal, state and local laws concerning them, how effective they have proven to be, and why police are so confident in their use despite their unreliability. …show more content…

Polygraph tests are not required in any states, and in most are not allowed to be used as evidence in Court. The The Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988 states that almost every type of employees are protected from the use of a polygraph test prior to hiring. (United States Department of Labor, n.d.) However, for a position in law enforcement or a government position, they may be administered. Concerning state laws, in North Carolina State v. Grier ruled it to be unlawful to use polygraph findings in court. (Justia U.S. Law, n.d.) Locally, polygraphs can also be used for personal reasons such as relationship struggles and confessions. They are required to keep these readings confidential unless otherwise

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