A case of the law and hypnotic coercion and compliance

Abstract

Examines 3 legal cases involving controversy over the coercive power of hypnosis. Testimony from the Australian cases of R. v. Davies (1979) and R. v. Palmer (1977) and J. Hartland’s (see record 1974-28147-001) report of an alleged assault on a hypnotized woman highlight the opposing positions on the coercive potential of hypnosis. The first position is that coercion is possible through the induction of distorted perceptions, which delude the S into believing that the induced behavior does not violate moral codes. The opposing view is that hypnosis is not a causal factor in coercion, but may facilitate otherwise unacceptable behavior. This view suggests that individuals who carry out transgressive behavior under hypnosis already have the wish to do so, and are given the opportunity under hypnosis. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved)