Seems like you put a lot of weight in the reliability of body language.
Do you feel that body language should be used as probable cause for search warrants?
How about as evidence in court during trial?
Well, I put a lot of weight into the reliability of my experience and years of following these cases.
But I’ll play.
No. It is ridiculous to suggest that body language be used as probable cause for search warrants. It’s weird to me that you would ask that.
Yes. Demeanor (of which body language is a part), is indeed a form of evidence in every criminal trial where someone testifies. Every witness who testifies does so live (rather than in writing) so that their demeanor can be examined by the jury.
Statements by defendants out of court are also examined by jurors who look at their demeanor. Or who hear about it from witnesses. “Did he cry?how did he react?”
And both sides will discuss demeanor in closing statements and at other times.
Further, while demeanor is obviously not to be used as probable cause, it sure as hell is closely scrutinized by investigators and forensic profilers. They are watching him whenever he makes a statement. They’re watching closely.
Frankly I am amazed that anyone would think body language and demeanor aren’t crucial in investigations and interrogations. Knowing when to push. What to say. When to back off. When to give some human contact. Gauging emotion based on body language is a huge part of that.
In fact, it’s crucial for humans in general when gauging the trustworthiness of any potential employee or mate or friend. Or when striking a deal is buying something. It’s crucial when we pass someone on the street or see someone in a car port, elevator or coming up to our door, etc., to gauge possible danger. We are, after all, still animals. And we use our bodies and faces to communicate.
Of course some people are better at deciphering body language than others. And some think it’s meaningless. The latter probably aren’t investigators. Not good ones at least.
