NCJ Number
18242
Date Published
1972
Length
0 pages
Annotation
PORTRAYS A POSSIBLE CONFLICT BETWEEN A FUTURISTIC, INFALLIBLE TRUTH MACHINE AND THE FIFTH AMENDMENT GUARANTEE AGAINST SELF-INCRIMINATION.
Abstract
MODERN TECHNOLOGY APPLIED IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE FIELD STRIVES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF EVER MORE PRECISE MEANS TO ASSURE THE CONVICTION OF GUILTY OFFENDERS. PRESUMABLY, A MACHINE THAT WOULD INFALLIBLY MEASURE WHAT A SUSPECT'S MIND HAD OR HAD NOT EXPERIENCED WOULD BOTH CLEAR THE INNOCENT AND EXPOSE THE GUILTY WITH FEW, IF ANY, MARGINS FOR ERROR. THIS FILM THEORIZES THE EXISTENCE OF SUCH A MACHINE IN A FUTURISTIC SETTING. THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE EXISTENCE OF SUCH A MACHINE FOR THE FIFTH AMENDMENT PRIVILEGE AGAINST SELF-INCRIMINATION ARE EXPLORED AS THE MAIN THEME OF THE FILM. A BURGLAR IN A STOCKING MASK IS OBSERVED ON A TWO-WAY VIDEO-COMMUNICATION SYSTEM KILLING A WOMAN WHO HAS SURPRISED HIM IN THE ROBBERY OF HER HOME. A SUSPECT IS SUBSEQUENTLY PICKED UP BY THE POLICE IN THE VICINITY OF THE CRIME. HE IS IN POSSESSION OF JEWELRY OWNED BY THE VICTIM. WHEN CONFRONTED WITH THE OPTION OF BEING SCRUTINIZED BY THE 'TRUTH' MACHINE, HE REFUSES TO SUBMIT TO QUESTIONING. A HEARING IS PORTRAYED BEFORE A JUDGE WITH PROSECUTION AND DEFENSE ATTORNEYS ARGUING THE CONSTITUTIONALITY OF USING THE TRUTH MACHINE AGAINST THE WILL OF THE SUSPECT. THE FILM CONCLUDES BEFORE THE JUDGE GIVES HIS DECISION. IT IS INTENDED THAT VIEWER DISCUSSION SHOULD FOLLOW THE SHOWING. (SNI ABSTRACT)