Lie detector machines, or polygraphs, are a part of our society that are feared by some, and respected by many. Sure, why not, right? They provide evidence and help prove cases in court. They can tell you for sure whether or not your boyfriend is cheating on you (usually only on Jerry Springer, though). They are very useful and convenient devices. They cause no harm to anybody. Or do they? Now days, they are even being used for job screening. This may seam like a great idea at first, but when you look further into it, you will find that the risks in utilizing a polygraph test in the work place greatly outweigh the benefits. .
Ted Gottfreid once said, "Privacy is something that everyone values, and most people believe they have the right to maintain. Privacy is difficult to define, and in our modern world, is becoming ever more difficult to protect."" One obvious issue with the concept of using lie detector test on employees and job applicants is that it is a total and complete invasion of privacy. Who wants a machine hooked to them that knows when you are telling the truth, and a man standing behind you asking questions? Of course, they may be relevant questions, but who is to say that behind closed doors the examiner wont ask you personal questions? Questions about your home life. Questions about your family. Questions that are frankly, none of their business. The most commonly referenced constitutional basis for the right to privacy is the Fourth Amendment, which protects people's homes and possessions from unreasonable searches and seizures. But are ones own head and personal thoughts not possessions? .
A C.I.A. case officer, given the pseudonym "Sarah"", had to face this very issue when taking a pre-entry lie detector test just like the rest of her colleagues. "I was a bit surprised by the intimate nature of the questions,"" she says, "I figured that it was just a one-off deal and let it ride.
