New Delhi:
Narco-analysis, used for the first time by a Dallas obstetrician in 1922, and brain mapping had always been a matter of controversy which divided investigators on one side and the civil society on the other.
The scientific tools used to collect information from suspects who are unable or unwilling to provide it otherwise have been marred with doubts about their reliability and validity.
Narco-analysis or truth serum test involves administration of intravenous hypnotic medications called truth drugs.
The serum's chemical name is Sodium Pentathol and it is mixed in distilled water before being given to the person.
The dose is dependent on the person's sex, age, health and physical condition.
The objective of the test, which could take anywhere between one and three hours, is to extract information from the accused when he is in a hypnotic state.
In such condition, a person is not in a position to speak up on his own but can answer specific but simple questions after giving some suggestions. The answers are believed to be spontaneous as a semi-conscious person is unable to manipulate the answers.
Although the test gives clues to the investigation, rights activists say it is dangerous for the subject as careless use of these truth serums can result even in death.
It's not advisable to use truth serums in those who have heart diseases and high blood pressure. High precautions are to be observed while using truth serums in such persons.
The controversial test first reached the mainstream in 1922, when Robert House, a Texas obstetrician used the drug 'scopolamine' on two prisoners.
According to reports, American armed forces and Intelligence agencies continued to experiment with truth drugs -- mostly barbiturates -- during and after the War years.
A declassified interrogation manual reveals that the CIA had been using these as part of its interrogation tactics.
In 1989, the New Jersey Supreme Court banned the use of Sodium Amytal narco-analysis because the results of the interview were not considered scientifically reliable, although there was some use to the interviews.
The court opined that subjects are susceptible to filling in gaps in stories with fabricated detail (hyper amnesia), or believing in false events, and hypnotic recall, where thoughts of non-existent events become embedded in the memory.
The scientific tools used to collect information from suspects who are unable or unwilling to provide it otherwise have been marred with doubts about their reliability and validity.
Narco-analysis or truth serum test involves administration of intravenous hypnotic medications called truth drugs.
The serum's chemical name is Sodium Pentathol and it is mixed in distilled water before being given to the person.
The dose is dependent on the person's sex, age, health and physical condition.
The objective of the test, which could take anywhere between one and three hours, is to extract information from the accused when he is in a hypnotic state.
In such condition, a person is not in a position to speak up on his own but can answer specific but simple questions after giving some suggestions. The answers are believed to be spontaneous as a semi-conscious person is unable to manipulate the answers.
Although the test gives clues to the investigation, rights activists say it is dangerous for the subject as careless use of these truth serums can result even in death.
It's not advisable to use truth serums in those who have heart diseases and high blood pressure. High precautions are to be observed while using truth serums in such persons.
The controversial test first reached the mainstream in 1922, when Robert House, a Texas obstetrician used the drug 'scopolamine' on two prisoners.
According to reports, American armed forces and Intelligence agencies continued to experiment with truth drugs -- mostly barbiturates -- during and after the War years.
A declassified interrogation manual reveals that the CIA had been using these as part of its interrogation tactics.
In 1989, the New Jersey Supreme Court banned the use of Sodium Amytal narco-analysis because the results of the interview were not considered scientifically reliable, although there was some use to the interviews.
The court opined that subjects are susceptible to filling in gaps in stories with fabricated detail (hyper amnesia), or believing in false events, and hypnotic recall, where thoughts of non-existent events become embedded in the memory.
Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world
