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Brain Images as Legal Evidence

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 January 2012

Walter Sinnott-Armstrong ,
Adina Roskies ,
Teneille Brown  and
Emily Murphy
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Abstract

This paper explores whether brain images may be admitted as evidence in criminal trials under Federal Rule of Evidence 403, which weighs probative value against the danger of being prejudicial, confusing, or misleading to fact finders. The paper summarizes and evaluates recent empirical research relevant to these issues. We argue that currently the probative value of neuroimages for criminal responsibility is minimal, and there is some evidence of their potential to be prejudicial or misleading. We also propose experiments that will directly assess how jurors are influenced by brain images.

Type
Research Article
Information
Episteme , Volume 5 , Issue 3 , October 2008 , pp. 359 - 373
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2008

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