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Pendulum of doubt — Hypnosis in forensic science.
The use of hypnosis in forensic science has been controversial for years. Both lawyers and scientists are divided in judgment.
There will be no resumption of the trial! That was the decision made in early May 2020. Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, upholding the trial court’s ruling in Dallas. For defendant Charles Flores, this means nothing less than a death sentence. The trial of the 50-year-old is being watched with interest by the entire legal and scientific community overseas. The case is controversial because the man was convicted of murder mainly on the basis of the testimony of a witness subjected to hypnosis. This is legal because Texas remains one of 17 states that allow the use of hypnosis during interrogations. Is it right? That is again being debated by experts. The most contentious question is whether the information obtained from a hypnotized person is reliable enough to be considered compelling evidence in court. Most scientists say that it is not. Nevertheless, many death sentences have been carried out by using this method in investigations.
By a thread to a knot…
Hypnosis as a forensic tool has been used regularly by American law enforcement and intelligence agencies since World War II. Over time, however, doubts have been raised about such activities. Charles Flores’ case…
