Phallometry in Forensic Practice

This paper briefly reviews the empirical bases of phallo-metry and then evaluates its utility in answering a series of potential forensic questions. It is concluded that phallometry does not have a basis sound enough to justify its use in deciding whether or not a man may have committed a sexual offence. It may, however, contribute, as part of a more comprehensive evaluation, to decisions concerning sentencing, dangerousness or risk to reoffend, with convicted sexual offenders.