Question: In the State of Indiana, are lie detector test results admissible in court?
Answer: The Indiana courts has often found that evidence of a polygraph examination is not admissible in evidence, unless both sides to the litigation agree in advance of the giving of such examination that it may be used in evidence by either party. Thus, polygraph examinations are generally inadmissible without a valid stipulation between the parties. The trial court has discretion to admit polygraph results where there is a valid stipulation. The stipulation must be in writing in criminal cases and signed by both defendant and prosecutor. There is no such requirement in civil cases. Also, once the parties stipulate to the admissibility of polygraph evidence, they are estopped from objecting to its admission. Valid stipulations to polygraph examinations cannot be withdrawn once one party learns the results are unfavorable.