Assessment of Polygraph Validity Considering Ruby’s Mental State
An accurate evaluation of Ruby’s polygraph examination depends on whether he was psychotic. A psychotic individual, being divorced from reality, might believe a false answer to be true and therefore not register the emotional response characteristic of deception that a normal person would. If a person is so mentally disturbed that he does not understand the nature of the questions or the substance of his answers, no validity can be attached to the polygraph results. Herndon stated that a person in touch with reality could be evaluated by the polygraph like any other examinee. Based on his prior contacts with Ruby and on observing him throughout the polygraph proceeding, Dr. William R. Beavers testified that in the greater proportion of Ruby’s answers, he appeared aware of the questions, understood them, and gave answers based on an appreciation of reality.
第二章 With the assistance of Agent in Charge Sorrels of the
Chapter II examines the circumstances surrounding the polygraph examination of Jack Ruby, focusing on Dr. Beavers’ psychiatric diagnosis, Herndon’s polygraph interpretation, and the Commission’s handling of the results. The chapter also includes Appendix XVIII with citation conventions and a Foreword.
Dr. Beavers’ Psychotic Depressive Diagnosis of Ruby
Dr. Beavers stated that he had previously diagnosed Ruby as a “psychotic depressive,” establishing the psychiatric baseline that would shape the subsequent polygraph analysis.
Herndon Testimony on Polygraph Invalidity Given Ruby’s Diagnosis
Based on the assumption that Ruby was a “psychotic depressive,” Herndon testified that there would be no validity to the polygraph examination and that no significance should be placed upon the polygraph charts.
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