Neuroimaging techniques for memory detection: Scientific, ethical, and legal issues
American Journal of Bioethics 8 (1):9 – 20 (2008)
| Abstract | There is considerable interest in the use of neuroimaging techniques for forensic purposes. Memory detection techniques, including the well-publicized Brain Fingerprinting technique (Brain Fingerprinting Laboratories, Inc., Seattle WA), exploit the fact that the brain responds differently to sensory stimuli to which it has been exposed before. When a stimulus is specifically associated with a crime, the resulting brain activity should differentiate between someone who was present at the crime and someone who was not. This article reviews the scientific literature on three such techniques: priming, old/new, and P300 effects. The forensic potential of these techniques is evaluated based on four criteria: specificity, automaticity, encoding flexibility, and longevity. This article concludes that none of the techniques are devoid of forensic potential, although much research is yet to be done. Ethical issues, including rights to privacy and against self-incrimination, are discussed. A discussion of legal issues concludes that current memory detection techniques do not yet meet United States standards of legal admissibility. | |||||||||
| Keywords | No keywords specified (fix it) | |||||||||
| Categories | ||||||||||
| Options |
|
|||||||||
Download options| PhilPapers Archive |
Upload a copy of this paper Check publisher's policy on self-archival Papers currently archived: 5,882 |
| External links |
 |
| Through your library | Configure |
Similar books and articlesJennifer L. Mnookin (2008). Of Black Boxes, Instruments, and Experts: Testing the Validity of Forensic Science. Episteme 5 (3):pp. 343-358.
Osagie K. Obasogie & Troy Duster (2011). All That Glitters Isn't Gold. Hastings Center Report 41 (5).
Joseph J. Fins, Judy Illes, James L. Bernat, Joy Hirsch, Steven Laureys & Emily Murphy (2008). Neuroimaging and Disorders of Consciousness: Envisioning an Ethical Research Agenda. American Journal of Bioethics 8 (9):3 – 12.
Russell S. Gold (2009). Evaluating Child Custody Cases : Techniques and Maintaining Objectivity. In Steven F. Bucky (ed.), Ethical and Legal Issues for Mental Health Professionals: In Forensic Settings. Brunner-Routledge.
Paul Root Wolpe, Kenneth R. Foster & Daniel D. Langleben (2005). Emerging Neurotechnologies for Lie-Detection: Promises and Perils. American Journal of Bioethics 5 (2):39-49.
William G. Iacono (2008). The Forensic Application of "Brain Fingerprinting:" Why Scientists Should Encourage the Use of P300 Memory Detection Methods. American Journal of Bioethics 8 (1):30 – 32.
Steven E. Petersen & Adina L. Roskies (2001). Visualizing Human Brain Function. In E. Bizzi, P. Calissano & V. Volterra (eds.), Frontiers of Life, Vol Iii: The Intelligent Systems, Part One: The Brain of Homo Sapiens. Academic Press.
Johanna C. van Hooff (2008). Neuroimaging Techniques for Memory Detection: Scientific, Ethical, and Legal Issues. American Journal of Bioethics 8 (1):25 – 26.
Daniel Meegan (2008). Response to Open Peer Commentaries on "Neuroimaging Techniques for Memory Detection: Scientific, Ethical and Legal Issues". American Journal of Bioethics 8 (1):1-4.
Analytics
Monthly downloads |
Added to index2009-01-28Total downloads17 ( #72,089 of 556,916 )Recent downloads (6 months)1 ( #64,931 of 556,916 )How can I increase my downloads? |
My notes
Discussion
