People v. Jackson

In this case, we consider for the first time whether, in a criminal bench trial, the State may present evidence relating to a witness’ polygraph examination “for a limited purpose” if that purpose has not been established prior to the admission of the evidence. We hold that it cannot.

Defendant, Lament Jackson, was indicted in the circuit court of Cook County on several charges, including first degree murder (720 ILCS 5/9 — 1(a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3) (West 1992)) and attempted armed robbery (720 ILCS 5/8 — 4, 18 — 2 (West 1992)). During defendant’s bench trial, the State elicited polygraph…