You Can't Lie to a Brain Scan
Brain Scans, usually seen on a doctors table may soon be a part of the courtroom too. There is increasing evidence that brain scans can effectively replace the lie detector, and hence be used as scientific validation in a court of law; a move that is bound to trigger off a privacy rights debate.
While prior attempts have been to use the MRI scans in many criminal and death row trials around the world, very rarely have they been used as conclusive evidence.
Researchers at the University of Glasgow, where extensive studies and debates are being held, opine that while the this use of the brain scan is definitely sound and reliable, preventing its misuse might prove to quite a challenge.
The brain imaging technique called MRI Scan shows a person’s reaction by the lighting up of the area of the brain that has increased blood flow and in turn increased neural activity. Depending on the area of the brain that ‘lights up’ scientists base the current mental state be it anger, jealousy, etc.
However while some scientists believe that the scans hold promise in the field of lie-detection, many warn of its drawbacks. These scans have so far only been carried out in controlled environments and enough research has not been carried out to see its working in an unregulated area. Also, fears were expressed of its potential misuse.
Laws will be required to curb its unregulated use and to protect peoples innermost feeling and thoughts from being intruded upon and guidelines will need to be set.They also warned of potential health risks due to repeated scanning.
Companies in the US are already using neuroimaging to test the honesty of their employees but the idea of using it in the courtroom is being viewed with equal concern and interest.
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