Honesty test 'should be reviewed'

BBC News

Researchers say the current "honesty test" used in courts should be reviewed after finding big differences in what is judged to be a dishonest act.

Snapping broccoli was judged only a little worse than conning an old lady

A survey of 15,000 people in England and Wales suggested a wide variation in views of what was honest or not - particularly for petty acts.

Just 47% thought that it was wrong for a carer to persuade a patient to change their will in their favour.

The current test - the Ghosh test - assumes a universal view of honesty.

The Brunel University study also found that women were more likely to find activities such as taking stationery home from work dishonest, but less willing to convict the wrongdoer than men.

The researchers, who are criminal lawyers, say that their early findings suggest the Ghosh test - which assumes a universal view of what constitutes dishonesty and is used in court cases - should be reassessed.

The findings are due to be presented at the start of the British Science Festival at the University of Surrey in Guildford. Read more...