Gudjonsson- false confessions

What 4 factors need to be considered when establishing if a confession may be coercion?

• The defendant: is the person very young/old etc.

• The arrest: was the suspect arrested suddenly etc.

• Mental/physical state: was the suspect stressed etc.

• The interrogation: was it leading etc.

What does a high score on the Gudjonsson suggestibility scale (GSS) suggest?

That it’s likely to increase chance of the suspect giving a coerced compliant (false) confession).

What does the Police And Criminal Evidence act do? (PACE)

• In the UK and disallows any use of coercion during interviews

• Suspects must always be made aware of their rights- given at the time of their arrest

What’s the US equivalent to PACE?

Miranda Rights- fifth amendment- right to remain silent

In the UK, what’s done in all interviews?

All interviews are recorded and passed onto the police, solicitors and a sealed copy must not be tampered- copies allow scrutinisation so its not coerced.

Vulnerable suspects can have an adult assigned for support.