NCJ Number
121927
Date Published
Unknown
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The strong recommendation of the British Home Office against the use of hypnosis in police investigations is a prudent and pragmatic response to the problem of memory transformations that can occur more readily when hypnosis is used than when it is not.
Abstract
Laboratory research has documented several types of memory transformations, including confident reporting of inaccurate information, increased certitude about previously recalled information, and vulnerability to information suggested during hypnosis. The circular from the Home Office recognizes these problems and anticipates the likelihood that the Crown Court will not admit evidence obtained through hypnosis. However, the Home Office does not prohibit the forensic use of hypnosis. Instead, it leaves the decision to individual police chiefs and does not specify guidelines for the use of hypnosis. A more appropriate course would be to issue guidelines similar to those adopted by New Jersey. Following these guidelines requires little extra time and effort, but failing to follow them could result in a serious and preventable miscarriage of justice. 11 references.