Is a Lie Detector Result Admissible as Evidence in Court

In short: no. Neither the classic polygraph nor EyeDetect counts as evidence under Ukrainian criminal or civil procedure. The longer answer is more interesting, because the test still changes how cases play out.

What the law says

Ukraine has no law that recognizes the results of psychophysiological examinations as evidence. A court may accept the report as one of the documents in the file, but it is not obliged to and usually does not base its decision on it. The same applies to most EU countries. In the US, practice varies by state, but even there a result is rarely admitted without the consent of both parties.

Where the result actually works

Three situations where the test affects the outcome without a court.

  • Settlement agreements. When one party confirms its version with a test and the other refuses to take one, negotiations end quickly.
  • Internal investigations in a company. The employer makes a personnel decision based on the report and its own investigation; no court is needed.
  • Family decisions. Questions of fidelity or hidden finances are settled between people, not in court, and the test gives them a basis for the conversation.

Why we say this openly

Some promise a “report for court”. We do not, because that is not true. The test gives a score from 1 to 99 on each question and shows which version of events holds up under scrutiny. What to do with that next is up to you, sometimes together with a lawyer.

What you can get

A written report with scores, the date, the name of the test and the examiner's signature. It can be added to the case file as a document. It will not bind the court, but it will show your position and your willingness to be tested.

Questions and answers

  • Yes. Lawyers order tests to understand their client's position before proceedings or to prepare a settlement agreement.

  • No, only voluntarily. The other party's refusal is also information for the negotiations.

Have a specific question?

Write to us and we will tell you whether the test fits your situation.