Why is establishing character judgment important before a polygraph test?

Establishing character judgment is crucial before administering a polygraph test because it allows the examiner to gauge honesty effectively. By understanding the subject's character and prior actions, the examiner can develop a baseline for what is considered truthful behavior. This assessment helps in interpreting physiological responses during the test. If the subject has a background that suggests honesty, their responses to questions can be more reliably evaluated. Conversely, if there are indications of questionable character or behavior, the examiner might approach the responses differently, allowing for a more nuanced interpretation of the results. Thus, character judgment serves to provide context and enhance the accuracy of the polygraph findings.