In the course of any civil trial or pre-trial proceeding the court shall not require that the plaintiff or defendant submit to a polygraphic detection deception test, commonly known as a lie detector test or require, suggest or request that the plaintiff or defendant submit to questioning under the effect of thiopental sodium or to any other test or questioning by means of any chemical substance.
2-1104.Party need not submit to lie detector.
Article II. Civil Practice · Part 11. Trial · Not amended since adoption on record · Last verified July 20, 2026
In one sentenceBars a court from ordering, or even suggesting, that a plaintiff or defendant take a polygraph, truth-serum interrogation, or similar chemical or mechanical truth test in a civil case.
Full Text of 735 ILCS 5/2-1104
Plain-English Summary
This section protects parties from being compelled, or even asked or suggested, to submit to a polygraph -- a lie detector test -- during a civil trial or pretrial proceeding.
It reaches beyond polygraphs, also barring the court from requiring, suggesting, or requesting questioning of a party under the effect of thiopental sodium (a truth serum) or any other chemical substance.
The bar targets the court's role specifically -- it stops a court from requiring, suggesting, or requesting the test, rather than addressing whether some other test a party volunteers for outside court might be admissible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a judge order a party to take a lie detector test?
No. The court cannot require, suggest, or request that a plaintiff or defendant submit to one.
Does this cover only formal polygraph tests?
No. It also bars questioning under thiopental sodium or any other chemical substance.
Does this apply during pretrial proceedings too?
Yes. It covers both trial and pretrial proceedings.
Can a court merely suggest a party take a polygraph?
No. Suggesting or requesting one is barred, not just requiring it.
Does this section address whether a voluntary polygraph result is admissible?
No. It addresses only the court's power to require, suggest, or request the test, not the admissibility of a result obtained elsewhere.
Amendment History
(Source: P.A. 82-280.)
Source & verification. Section text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Illinois Compiled Statutes, published by the
Illinois Compiled Statutes, Illinois General Assembly / Legislative Reference Bureau. Last verified July 20, 2026.
· Official source
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