# Would "Truth Serums" Be Acceptable

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-truth-serums-be-acceptable/580655>\
**Category:** Great Debates\
**Created:** [May 4, 2011, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-truth-serums-be-acceptable/580655 "2011-05-04T03:30:42Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![Captain\_Amazing](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6de8d8/32.png) [@Captain\_Amazing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Amazing)\
**Post date:** [May 4, 2011, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-truth-serums-be-acceptable/580655/21 "2011-05-04T16:32:56Z")

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> [@Boyo\_Jim](#):
>
> ]'ve never heard that claim. Can you provide a cite?

Sure:

> **[Should I Agree to Take a Lie Detector Test?](https://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/resources/criminal-defense/defendants-rights/lie-detector-test.htm)**
>
> Understand how polygraph tests work and why most people should not agree to a take a polygraph test.

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**Author:** ![Lemur866](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lemur866/32/434_2.png) [@Lemur866](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lemur866)\
**Post date:** [May 4, 2011, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-truth-serums-be-acceptable/580655/22 "2011-05-04T16:51:18Z")

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> [@WhyNot](#):
>
> I love where it came from, I don’t like what it’s become. There’s a vast middle ground that got eliminated, somehow. Compelling a person to testify in a modern court of law is hardly the same as crushing them under heavy stones until they talk.

But what is the penalty for someone who doesn’t testify in court? Say Bob is accused of robbing a liquor store. The prosecution orders Bob to testify. What do you think should happen when Bob refuses? Prison?

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**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\
**Post date:** [May 4, 2011, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-truth-serums-be-acceptable/580655/23 "2011-05-04T18:23:38Z")

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> [@Captain\_Amazing](#):
>
> Sure:
> 
> [Should You Take a Polygraph Test?](http://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/resources/criminal-defense/criminal-defense-case/do-any-states-allow-polygraph-results-in-c)

Wow, interesting… and a bit frightening. Thank you.

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