neuro-forensics

The use of neuroscience methods, such as EEG-based “brain fingerprinting”, fMRI lie detection and brain imaging, to answer legal questions about memory, deception or responsibility.

Courts have not accepted these tests as reliable proof. In United States v. Semrau (2012), a federal appeals court upheld the exclusion of fMRI lie-detection evidence, finding no known error rate outside the laboratory. In 2010 India's Supreme Court held that forcing a person to undergo such brain tests violates the right against self-incrimination.

Some reference material in this record describes “Neuro-Forensic Units” at the Colorado Attorney General's office and the King County Prosecutor. No public evidence of units by that name was found (checked 1 October 2026).

Related terms: electroencephalogram, brain–computer interface, cognitive liberty, Colorado Privacy Act

Sources: United States v. Semrau, 6th Cir. 2012 — Justia · Selvi v. State of Karnataka, Supreme Court of India, 2010 · Using Imaging to Identify Deceit — American Academy of Arts & Sciences