Sociology 12/5

[drgrissom.livejournal.com]

Criminology

Lecture on Hypnotically Refreshed Testimony

Discussion: Should hypnosis, and similar techniques, be used in the criminal justice system? Why or why not?

I hope all of you have found someone to interview for your project. If you are still having trouble locating someone, I may be able to arrange something for you. Please come to me after class with questions or concerns.


Death and Dying

Lecture on Euthanasia

Discussion: Considering the ramifications personally as well as socially, do you believe people have the "right to die"? Should people be able to choose when to end their lives absolutely, should there be laws that allow only physician-assisted suicides and how should they be written if so, or should no one be able to make that choice for themselves?

And for your information, you will be having a final exam. Please begin reviewing your course materials. A study guide will be made available at a later date.

Comments

Criminology

[drgrissom.livejournal.com]

Welcome

Re: Criminology

[whitedeathpod.livejournal.com]

John comes into class.

"Hypnosis? No, I don't believe that should be used in any kind of legal setting. While it might be able to get to memories and details that were buried or regressed, there is also the possibility of being coerced or talked into remembering details that might benefit the wrong person. If the subject of hypnosis is easily persuaded and easily talked into things, someone could use hypnosis to gain a confession, pin a crime on someone, find buried evidence that convicts someone, and a slew of other things that could be harmful and/or implicate the wrong person."

Re: Criminology

[drgrissom.livejournal.com]

"You seem to have a strong opinion on the matter. Thank you for sharing."

Re: Criminology

[cameronmitchell.livejournal.com]

Cameron stares at the subject line of today. Maybe he got de-cubbed too soon. "I'm sure there are benefits to hypnosis, but using it should only happen when the person it is being used on gives full consent." He says firmly.

Re: Criminology

[drgrissom.livejournal.com]

"Good to see you in human form, again." Grissom grins. "What about a situation where a victim of a crime gives their consent to be hypnotized? Should what is revealed by the process be used in a trial against a defendant? They aren't being hypnotized, but that hypnosis could affect them drastically."

Re: Criminology

[cameronmitchell.livejournal.com]

"Thanks, s-Grissom. It's good to be... human." Cameron looks thoroughly embarrassed and quickly tries to answer the question, even if it's not entirely a subject he's comfortable with. "I think it could possibly bring new insights in a case. My main concern would be that it's easy to suggest something or ask a leading question during the hypnosis and make the victim believe something happened while it hasn't. It might just be safer to leave hypnosis entirely out of the trial or leave it as something optional like a lie detector as long as people are aware of the risk involved."

Re: Criminology

[chasingangela]

"I don't think hypnosis should be the final word or anjything," Angela says, "but it seems to me like it might work really well for some people -- if, like, they were drugged or too traumatized to remember something consciously. I see John's point about coercion through hypnosis, but that's an issue in regular interrogation too."

Re: Criminology

[drgrissom.livejournal.com]

Grissom looks pleased by Angela's response. "It is a complicated issue, once again. Excellent evaluation of both sides of the topic. Thank you."

Re: Criminology

[maias-notebook.livejournal.com]

Maia came in and sat down looking thoughtful...

"I don't think hypnosis should be allowed as evidence, similar grounds as a lie detector being inadmissible in court, however I think it can be used to warrent further investigations like a lie detector does. I think that it has a place in helping people recall things that they don't want to deal with such as a suspects face or something like that, but to put someone in prison based entirely on the testimony of someone under hypnosis is something that I hope to never see."