The lecture will discuss the problem of false confessions and the methods implicated in obtaining them.
Brendan Dassey Case
Brendan Dassey is presented as a key example of a likely false confession, stemming from the documentary "Making a Murderer" on Netflix.
The documentary covers the murder of a photographer, and Dassey was pressured into confessing involvement after authorities couldn't implicate his uncle.
Situational Factors in Dassey's Case
Dassey was interrogated four times within a 48-hour period.
His parents were not allowed to be present during the interrogations.
Interrogation techniques such as minimization and maximization were employed to induce a confession.
Dassey had incompetent legal counsel and waived his right to a lawyer before the interrogation.
Dispositional Factors in Dassey's Case
Dassey was a youth with intellectual learning disabilities and mental illness.
Research indicates that these factors increase the likelihood of false confessions.
Issues with Dassey's Confession
The videotaped confession is available online for review.
Many statements in Dassey's confession conflicted with existing evidence.
Investigators seemingly prioritized obtaining a confession over ensuring its accuracy.
Evidence contamination was present in the case.
Dassey immediately recanted his confession, admitting it was false as soon as his mother entered the room.