Opinion ID: 1982028
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: IIPolygraph Test

Text: Rebecca asserts that the trial court erred in admitting in evidence the results of a polygraph test of Kirk. Rebecca contends that results of a polygraph examination are inadmissible in civil proceedings and that, even if admissible, there was inadequate foundation in this case to admit the test results. While Rebecca's contentions raise issues not before ruled upon by us, [1] our review of the record reveals that this assertion of error is overstated. Prior to the hearing, Kirk's counsel submitted a brief accompanied by an affidavit of the polygraph examiner, which stated that Kirk answered truthfully when he denied that he had sexually abused his daughter, and by a letter resumé signed by the polygraph examiner. In response, Rebecca's counsel submitted a brief which argued that polygraph test results should not be admitted. During the hearing, Kirk testified that he had not sexually abused his daughter and that the polygraph examiner told me that he agreed with me. Counsel for Rebecca objected to introduction of polygraph evidence or remarks pertaining to results of polygraph testing. The trial court overruled the objection, reasoning that it was required under Supreme Court decisions to receive evidence, exhibits in evidence, unless it's obviously and clearly prejudicial. Kirk's counsel then asked Kirk whether he had reviewed the polygraph results and whether the results were consistent with what happened as you recall it? Kirk responded yes to both questions but Rebecca's counsel objected on the ground that an inadequate foundation had been laid for introduction of the polygraph test results. The court did not rule on the objection and Kirk's counsel began questioning Kirk on another matter. Except for brief questioning of Rebecca by her counsel about previous polygraph tests taken by Kirk in connection with his employment and a reference to the polygraph test results during closing arguments by Kirk's counsel, the subject was not otherwise developed during the three-day hearing. Apparently, the polygraph examiner's affidavit and resumé were not formally offered or admitted as exhibits, nor did the examiner testify. Because the polygraph test results were not directly placed in evidence, it is unnecessary for us to determine whether polygraph test results are admissible in civil proceedings or to address the foundational requirements which might be necessary to do so. However, we believe that Kirk's testimony about the polygraph test results was clearly inadmissible because it was hearsay under Rule 801, N.D.R.Evid. In a nonjury case, a trial judge should ordinarily admit all evidence which is not clearly inadmissible because a trial judge who is competent to rule upon the admissibility of evidence can distinguish between admissible and inadmissible evidence when deliberating upon the ultimate decision. Brodersen v. Brodersen, 374 N.W.2d 76, 78-79 (N.D.1985). Therefore, in a bench trial it is generally not reversible error for the court to admit incompetent evidence unless there is insufficient competent evidence to support an essential finding or unless the incompetent evidence induced the court to make an improper finding. Schock v. Ronderos, 394 N.W.2d 697, 699 (N.D.1986). Here, there is sufficient competent evidence to support the trial court's finding that the alleged incident of sexual abuse was not established. Testimony of medical experts and social workers who had visited with the child took up most of the trial. Rebecca's family doctor, who examined the child four days after the alleged incident occurred, testified that he found no sign of injury to the hymen or labia. The rest of the medical testimony was about the interpretation of photographs and results of a colposcopy conducted on the child approximately two years after the alleged incident occurred. The experts disagreed whether the results of the examination indicated sexual abuse. The social workers who had interviewed the child also disagreed whether sexual abuse had occurred. Nothing indicates that the incompetent evidence induced the court to make the finding that sexual abuse was not established. The court did not mention either Kirk's testimony about the polygraph results or Kirk's credibility in general. This was the second time that evidence about sexual abuse had been heard. Both hearings resulted in findings that sexual abuse was not established. In view of these circumstances and the lack of emphasis upon the polygraph test during the three-day hearing, we do not see how it influenced the trial court in arriving at its decision. Cf. People in Interest of M.W., 374 N.W.2d 889, 892 (S.D.1985). Accordingly, this error does not require reversal.