united-states employment civil-rights
What is the legal ramifications of refusing a polygraph?
<p>If an employer puts it in the work contract that they may require a polygraph (either to gain employment or keep it) can I refuse?</p>
<p>The relevant statutory body regarding polygraphs in the US mentions on their website that nobody can be forced to do a polygraph. It also mentions refusing to do one is not an admission of guilt.</p>

<p>It depends. There is a law, <a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/29/chapter-22" rel="noreferrer">29 USC Ch. 22</a>, which generally prohibits employers from requiring polygraph tests before or during employment. However, there are exceptions. It only limits private employers, not governments; certain private employers are allowed to require such tests. The exemptions are set out <a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/29/2006" rel="noreferrer">here</a>. They broadly fall into &quot;government security concerns&quot; (defense subcontractors etc.), security firms, and drug companies.</p>
<p>The penalties to be visited on violators are spelled out <a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/polygraph" rel="noreferrer">here</a>.</p>
