Abstract
This paper examines the use and misuse of polygraph examinations. Due to increasing polygraph use by government agencies, the paper focuses particularly on the public sector. Should a government employee be subjected to a polygraph examination and, if so, under what conditions? How credible are polygraph exams? To better answer these and other relevant questions, the paper traces the polygraph's development, describes its technical features, discusses the pros and cons of its use, and examines its ethical implications—an aspect given little scholarly attention. Finally, the paper proposes a consistent and more restrictive polygraph policy for government agencies and proposed criteria for deciding when and where polygraphs are appropriate.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.