Neuroimaging techniques for memory detection: scientific, ethical, and legal issues
- PMID: 18236327
- DOI: 10.1080/15265160701842007
Neuroimaging techniques for memory detection: scientific, ethical, and legal issues
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.
Comment in
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Neurolaw: the big question.Am J Bioeth. 2008 Jan;8(1):21-2; discussion W1-4. doi: 10.1080/15265160701828485. Am J Bioeth. 2008. PMID: 18236328 No abstract available.
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The detection of constructed memories and the risks of undue prejudice.Am J Bioeth. 2008 Jan;8(1):23-5; discussion W1-4. doi: 10.1080/15265160701828527. Am J Bioeth. 2008. PMID: 18236329 No abstract available.
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Neuroimaging techniques for memory detection: scientific, ethical, and legal issues.Am J Bioeth. 2008 Jan;8(1):25-6; discussion W1-4. doi: 10.1080/15265160701828501. Am J Bioeth. 2008. PMID: 18236330 No abstract available.
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Not devoid of forensic potential, but..Am J Bioeth. 2008 Jan;8(1):27-8; discussion W1-4. doi: 10.1080/15265160701828493. Am J Bioeth. 2008. PMID: 18236331 No abstract available.
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Equality and right to development as neuroethical concerns: assuring defendants' rights.Am J Bioeth. 2008 Jan;8(1):28-30; discussion W1-4. doi: 10.1080/15265160701828428. Am J Bioeth. 2008. PMID: 18236332 No abstract available.
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The forensic application of "brain fingerprinting:" why scientists should encourage the use of P300 memory detection methods.Am J Bioeth. 2008 Jan;8(1):30-2; discussion W1-4. doi: 10.1080/15265160701828550. Am J Bioeth. 2008. PMID: 18236333 No abstract available.
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To wink or to blink: technical limits or phenomenological difficulties.Am J Bioeth. 2008 Jan;8(1):32-4; discussion W1-4. doi: 10.1080/15265160701828477. Am J Bioeth. 2008. PMID: 18236334 No abstract available.
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Brain imaging and the Bill of Rights: memory detection technologies and American criminal justice.Am J Bioeth. 2008 Jan;8(1):34-6; discussion W1-4. doi: 10.1080/15265160701828451. Am J Bioeth. 2008. PMID: 18236335 No abstract available.
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