Comparative Review of Polygraph and Other Diagnostic Tools and Methods
Comparative Review of Polygraph and Other Diagnostic Tools and Methods

Summary/Abstract: Unlike the polygraph, many diagnostic tools and methods are admissible in court in spite of being as accurate as, or less accurate than, the polygraph. The data on various forensic and medical diagnostic tools and methods reviewed in this article conclusively leads to the conclusion that time has come to recognize the polygraph as an admissible forensic diagnostic tool. Since the Frye decision in 1923 it seems that polygraph validity is haunted by what Justice Van Orsdel said: "The systolic blood pressure deception test had not gained enough standing and scientific recognition among physiological and psychological authorities to justify its admission as evidence in courts of law." 2 Justice Van Orsdel’s words were repeated too many times by jurists, researchers and other interested parties sometimes disguised in a humanitarian outfit. For too many decades polygraph has been on the defense without any favorable chances. Whereas fingerprinting and DNA are evidential royalties, polygraph is not even a commoner. While being realistic enough to face the polygraph flaws, in the same token when comparing the polygraph to other forensic and medical diagnostic tools and methods recognized by courts, one cannot avoid but cry, "The King is naked".

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