Brain Fingerprinting

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the technique of brain fingerprinting and specifically how this technique can be used to determine the guilt or innocence of a suspect with regards to a crime. It then discusses some of the ethical considerations in using this technique and some of its limitations. The paper concludes by suggesting that the validity of the machine has not yet been proven and as such, it is not a reliable method for crime solving.

From the Paper:

"Nothing is perfect, however. Although Farwell is confident his technology may prove more accurate than today's polygraphs, he is quick to point out there will never be a magic box that uncovers truth with 100 percent accuracy.
"The brain wave detector is just another piece of equipment that may have the positive use of apprehending guilty or clearing not guilty individuals. However, as with many other machines that have other potential uses, it is the person who runs it who is the problem--machines cannot act on their own. History has shown time and time again, how something built with all good intentions has been used for all the wrong reasons."

Sample of Sources Used:

• McCall, Becky. Brain fingerprints under scrutiny. February 17, 2006. BBC News. 8 April 2006. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/3495433.stm
• Sententia, Wrye. "Brain Fingerprinting: Databodies to Databrains." Center for Cognitive Liberty and Ethics. (2001) 2.3 [electronic version]
• Solovitch, Sara. "Mind Reader" Legal Affairs. 25 April 2006. http://www.legalaffairs.org/issues/November-December-2004/story_solovitch_novdec04.msp

More papers on Brain Fingerprinting:

• Research Paper # 93715 : "Brain Research"
• Essay # 23986 : "Polygraphs"
• Research Paper # 97309 : "MRI and the Law"

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