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Use of Hypnosis in Criminal Investigation

NCJ Number
90748
Journal
Revija za Kriminalistiko in Kriminologijo Volume: 33 Issue: 2 Dated: (April-June 1982) Pages: 83-91
Author(s)
D Maver
Date Published
1982
Length
9 pages
Annotation
Hypnosis in criminal investigation has become more common in some countries, especially in the United States. The purpose of hypnosis is to improve recall in witnesses and the victims of criminal offenses.
Abstract
Important practical results have been achieved and the use of hypnosis in evidence presentation has been introduced even in courts. Professional opinions about hypnosis are still controversial. The author presents basic information about hypnosis and its impact on memory and assesses its use in investigation and evidence presentation. Yugoslav criminal procedure theorists have rejected the use of hypnosis in evidence presentention. In spite of this, the author supports his own research into the influence of hypnosis on memory processes and thinks that even in a case with favorable results, hypnosis should be used only as an orientation method for collecting information, not as evidence in court. Hypnosis should be used in specific conditions on witnesses and victims who give their permisssion. A total of 95 footnotes and 30 references are provided. (Author summary modified)