Florida law enforcement sometimes relies on lie detector tests. EyeDetect, a new lie detector, was recently developed. How will it stack up against the traditional test and could it be used in criminal trials?
What is EyeDetect?
EyeDetect is a new type of lie detector test. Instead of suspects being hooked up with wires and asked to answer a series of questions, this new lie detector examines the person’s eyes. Specifically, it looks at the dilation of the pupils and the speed of eye movement. This is used to determine whether a suspect might be lying while answering questions. Criminal defense in Florida could argue about this new test being used in court.
How does EyeDetect work?
EyeDetect works by using a digital camera to measure the eye factors. It’s believed that certain movements that are beyond the person’s control can show whether or not they are being truthful when asked questions about a crime.
A law professor questioned the use of EyeDetect test results in such serious cases and stated that verdicts should be decided by human juries instead of a lie detector test machine.
How accurate are test results?
Florida criminal defense is not permitted to use lie detector results in court due to the law making them inadmissible. Other states follow the same laws. Although the results from EyeDetect appear to be accurate, they are around as accurate as standard lie detector tests that measure details such as heart rate, blood pressure and breathing. The law professor doesn’t believe that EyeDetect results will be any more admissible in court than those of standard lie detector tests.
Another law professor believes that EyeDetect is a useful tool but stressed the importance of not overusing it. He pointed out that some people are able to beat lie detector tests for various reasons. Lie detector tests are powerful tools, but it’s up to humans to make the ultimate decisions.