Magicians Penn & Teller file Supreme Court brief questioning use of 'investigative hypnosis'

"The famous duo filed a friend-of-the-court brief urging the justices to consider an appeal in the conviction of Charles Don Flores, a death row inmate in Texas."

"Penn Jillette stated that he is an expert in misleading people and believes that the use of hypnosis by a police officer to identify Flores should not be trusted."

"The brief noted that there was no physical evidence against Flores, and the witness's description changed after she underwent hypnosis."

"Penn expressed humility in his expertise, stating, 'I am carny trash. I am uneducated... I think I could do what that police officer did.'"

Penn & Teller filed a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court questioning the use of 'investigative hypnosis' in identifying suspects. They argue that hypnosis is exploitative and unscientific, claiming it cannot reliably retrieve accurate memories. The case involves Charles Don Flores, a death row inmate in Texas, who was identified by a witness after undergoing hypnosis, despite initial descriptions that did not match him. The magicians emphasize their expertise in deception, suggesting that hypnosis can mislead rather than clarify.

Read at ABA Journal