[Images of the mind--what brain pictures really show]

Abstract

The use of imaging procedures brings with it legal consequences at different levels and in various relationships. As far as the generation of knowledge by means of imaging procedures is concerned, the problem of so-called incidental findings even now already demands a legally sound management in daily routine. Similarly, the use of imaging procedures in ongoing legal proceedings is of current relevance in cases when expert witnesses make use of the appropriate technologies for the formulation of their expertise. In contrast, lie detectors are far from any practical utility for forensic purposes. The major challenge in the next few years will be to investigate the scientific-medical knowledge gained from brain research concerning possible legal implications and to develop on this basis a practice-relevant and, if at all possible, proactive regulatory model.