BEOS and neuroethics

Mukundan CR

10/12/2008 7:45:56 PM

I would have liked to read Hank Greely's comments on BEOS after he had studied a few fundamental aspects of the new technique, as well as correct information on the case that he has referred to. Though the New York Times has quoted about the case from its own sources, the fact that is known to us in India is that the investigating agency had enough physical evidence to convict the accused, even without a polygraph or BEOS examination.

BEOS findings (it is not a lie detection test and it is not based on P300) are not acceptable as primary evidence in the Indian courts. The test findings are to be used only as aid for forensic investigations and formulations. BEOS has a self validating procedure and it detects a series of findings indicating a suspect's involvement, when present. Only then it is considered to be of any significant meaning as an aid to investigation.