CH 3 - Interrogations and Confessions

These flashcards cover key concepts involved in interrogations and confessions, including techniques, psychological aspects, and legal considerations.

What holds significant weight in legal cases, often influencing convictions?

A confession.

What era allowed police to use extreme tactics in interrogations up until the late 1930s?

pre-Wickersham era of the third degree.

What types of tactics did police use before shifting to psychological methods?

Physical tactics such as withholding food and water, beating, and extended periods of isolation.

What is the purpose of police interviews with suspects?

To gather evidence and obtain a confession.

What is the purpose of pre-interrogation rapport building?

To get the suspect to share information willingly.

What must be explained to a suspect before interrogation?

Their legal rights and the implications of waiving those rights.

What does the term 'legal caution' refer to in interrogations?

The Miranda warning, informing suspects of their rights.

What is a key strategy used in post-admission interrogation?

To delve deeper into the suspect's confession to clarify details.

What factors determine the reliability of a confession?

Does it match known facts and other evidence? Was it contaminated by investigator knowledge?

What interrogation technique is known for its confrontational approach?

The Reid technique.

How does the Reid technique encourage a confession?

By making it seem like confessing is the best option for the suspect.

What is meant by 'positive confrontation' in interrogations?

To assert that the investigator knows the suspect committed the crime.

What should an interrogator do during denials from a suspect?

Interrupt and challenge the denials to make the suspect confess.

What do interrogators maintain to keep suspects engaged?

Eye contact and attention.

What is the PEACE model?

A model for conducting interviews that is more commonly used in Canada and Europe.

What did the Reid technique lack that made it controversial?

Scientific backing regarding its effectiveness.

What planning is required before an interrogation?

Understand how the interview will contribute to the investigation.

What factors must be considered if the suspect is a minor?

Legal requirements like medication or caregiving responsibilities.

What does an investigator do during the Account, Clarifications, and Challenges phase?

They address contradictions and inconsistencies in the suspect's narrative.

What type of questions should investigators use to clarify details?

Open-ended questions posed neutrally.

What is the purpose of Closure in an interrogation?

To summarize and establish if all necessary information was obtained.

What is an important aspect of evaluating an interrogation?

Assessing how the account matches other available evidence.

What is the Wicklander Zulawski (WZ) method?

A phased interview model that emphasizes giving socially acceptable excuses.

What can lead to false confessions during interrogations?

Coercive techniques that manipulate the suspect’s perception.

Who was Thomas Sophonow and what was significant about his case?

Spent 18 years in prison due to a false confession obtained through brutal interrogation.

What are the three types of false confessions?

Voluntary, coerced-compliant, and coerced-internalized false confessions.

What defines a voluntary false confession?

A confession made without police elicitation to protect someone else.

What happens in a coerced-compliant false confession?

Results from a desire to escape a coercive environment or gain a promised benefit.

Describe a coerced-internalized false confession.

A confession resulting from suggestive techniques that lead the confessor to believe they committed the crime.

What was the case of Gary Gauger an example of?

A coerced-internalized false confession due to isolation and influence of alcohol.

What is the significance of the interrogation setting?

Isolation and a sparse environment to eliminate distractions.

How do time and location affect interrogations?

Interrogation rooms are typically small and barren to enhance control.

What is a common misperception about denial in the context of lying?

That the more someone denies, the more entrenched they are in their lie.

What should investigators maintain to facilitate confession?

Mutual respect and a non-confrontational demeanor.