Under Sec. 51.151, which statement is correct regarding polygraph examination?

Under Sec. 51.151, which statement is correct regarding polygraph examination?

• A. It may not be administered without the consent of the child's attorney or the juvenile court.
• B. It may be administered without the consent of the attorney or the juvenile court.
• C. It may be administered only with the consent of the parent.
• D. It is always mandatory before prosecution.

Answer: (A)

Consent from the child’s attorney or the juvenile court is required before a polygraph can be administered to a minor under Sec. 51.151. This protects the child’s rights and ensures proper judicial or legal oversight, rather than allowing testing based on parental permission or unilateral action. The idea that consent from a parent is enough is incorrect, and the statute does not make a polygraph mandatory before prosecution in every case.

Consent from the child’s attorney or the juvenile court is required before a polygraph can be administered to a minor under Sec. 51.151. This protects the child’s rights and ensures proper judicial or legal oversight, rather than allowing testing based on parental permission or unilateral action. The idea that consent from a parent is enough is incorrect, and the statute does not make a polygraph mandatory before prosecution in every case.