I am currently a freshman in high school. There was recently a bomb threat called in to my school. I had bragged to some of my friends on the day of the bomb threat that I had a pretty good idea about who had made the call. Well, somehow it got back to the principal of my school that I knew who did it and subsequently I was questioned. Can they legally make me tell them who I think (or who they think I know) made the bomb threat? I am aware that if they find out that I am withholding information I could get in trouble. But, like I asked, do I actually have to tell them who it was or could have been just because some people told them that I know? Also, can they make me take a lie detector test and can this test be used as evidence in a court of law?

No, you do not have to answer any questions or supply names to the authorities. Neither you nor anyone else has a legal obligation to assist the police in solving a crime. While you may feel morally obligated to do so, you should not confuse this with a legal obligation. There is none. No one can make you take a polygraph. Even if you did take a polygraph, it would not be admissible against you in court. If you are even thinking about taking a polygraph, you should seek legal counsel first. If you are concerned about appearing non-cooperative, you might write a note to the principal stating that contrary to what they have been led to believe, you don''t know the identity of the person who made the bomb threat and that you refuse to supply names based on rumor, innuendo and speculation. Your note also might advise that you refuse to answer further questions without a competent criminal defense attorney present. Of course, these answers pertain to actions legal authorities may or may not take against you. "Civic" punishment that your school might mete out for non-cooperation is not something I can advise you on, particularly without knowing if you attend a public or private school. While no school can force you to answer questions, supply names or take a polygraph, a private school might be allowed to discipline you for refusing to do so.