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lie detector test :: legal definition


Lie detector test - n. a popular name for a polygraph which tests the physiological reaction of a person to questions asked by a testing expert. A potential or actual criminal defendant or possible witness cannot be forced or ordered to take a lie detector test. Some habitual liars pass lie detector tests, and innocent, honest people fail them due to nervousness and other factors. However, law enforcement authorities usually believe the results, which occasionally exonerate (clear) a suspect. Since the results are sometimes unreliable, they are not admissible in a trial and may not be referred to.

See also: polygraph and Related Law Terms ↓


Related Law Terms

DNA :: n. scientifically, deoxyribonucleic acid, a chromo ... is strongly in favor of admission.
polygraph :: n. a lie detector device, from Greek for "many" (p ... swered. See also: lie detector test

Popular Law Searches

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Other Law Terms - L

labor and materials :: (time and materials) n. what some builders or repa ... track of actual labor hours worked.
laches :: n. the legal doctrine that a legal right or claim ... , breach of contract, fraud, etc.).
land :: n. real property, real estate (and all that grows ... See also: real estate real property
landlady :: n. female of landlord or owner of real property fr ... rents or leases. See also: landlord
landlocked :: adj. referring to a parcel of real property which ... which it was created (carved out).
landlord :: n. a person who owns real property and rents or le ... so: lease lessee lessor rent tenant
landlord and tenant :: n. the name for the area of law concerning renting ... ord lease lessee lessor rent tenant
landlord's lien :: n. the right of a landlord to sell abandoned perso ... to the ex-tenant and a public sale.
lapse :: 1) v. to fail to occur, particularly a gift made i ... eficiary devisee legatee trust will
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last antecedent rule :: n. a doctrine of interpretation (construction) of ... o trucks and not boats or tractors.
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last will and testament :: n. a fancy and redundant way of saying "will." Law ... writing another one. See also: will
latent defect :: n. a hidden flaw, weakness or imperfection in an a ... warranty product liability warranty
lateral support :: n. the right of a land- owner to assurance that hi ... support problems are less dramatic.
law :: n. 1) any system of regulations to govern the cond ... um maritime law natural law statute
law and motion calendar :: n. a court calendar in which only motions and spec ... special legal arguments are heard.
law book :: n. any of numerous volumes dealing with law, inclu ... : common law law Shepardize statute
law of admiralty :: n. statutes, customs and treaties dealing with act ... w. See also: Jones Act maritime law
law of the case :: n. once a judge has decided a legal question durin ... he ruling is the "law of the case."