Use of Behavioral Symptoms in the Search for the Truth - A Tool for the Prosecutor

• NCJ Number: 102140
• Journal: Polygraph Volume: 15 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1986) Pages: 40-46
• Author(s): J P Buckley; P A Mullenix
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 7 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: This article was originally published in V 19, N 1 of The Prosecutor, 1985, NDAA.

Annotation

Prosecutors who understand the distinctive verbal and nonverbal behavioral cues that people display, when telling the truth or lying during questioning, can use this awareness to make their presentations to the judge or jury more effective.

Abstract

No single behavior automatically indicates truthfulness or lying. The overall behavioral pattern should be the basis of any assessment, which should focus both on timing and frequency of the cues. Negative emotions as well as efforts to deceive can cause certain behavioral characteristics. Nevertheless, truthful persons usually answer questions directly and spontaneously, whereas a lying person will delay, answer too quickly, or use fragmented sentences. Truthful subjects tend to use harsh, realistic words, while deceptive subjects usually avoid such language. An upright and relaxed posture with direct eye contact indicates truthfulness. Rigidity or slouching, gross body movement, grooming gestures, and avoidance of eye contact are signs of lying. Prosecutors should be alert to these cues when confronting possible suspects or important witnesses prior to seeking an indictment. The mannerisms and speech patterns will either substantiate or contradict the credibility of the verbal content. 4 footnotes.