| − | Throughout the series a constant theme is the almost criminal incompetence of the Ministry of Magic. We are told at various stages throughout the book that some of Voldemorts followers managed to escape justice by lying to the courts that they were controlled by the Imperius curse. However, in book four it is revealed that there is a potion, know as Veritaserum, which forces the victim to tell the truth. However, just like the imperius curse, it is possible for a person to resist the potions affects. Especially if they know beforehand that this potion will be given to them. Veritaserum is similar to a polygraph in it's unreliability. Thus, this "literary criticism" is moot. ref>http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Veritaserum</ref> | + | Throughout the series a constant theme is the almost criminal incompetence of the Ministry of Magic. We are told at various stages throughout the book that some of Voldemorts followers managed to escape justice by lying to the courts that they were controlled by the Imperius curse. However, in book four it is revealed that there is a potion, know as Veritaserum, which forces the victim to tell the truth. However, just like the imperius curse, it is possible for a person to resist the potions affects. Especially if they know beforehand that this potion will be given to them. Veritaserum is similar to a polygraph in it's unreliability. Thus, this "literary criticism" is moot. [<ref>http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Veritaserum</ref>] |