Lecture 10 - Concise


Definition of False Confessions

False confessions are statements by innocent individuals admitting to crimes they did not commit. Confessions significantly increase conviction likelihood, with false confessors facing a high risk of wrongful conviction (78-85%).

Rarity of False Confessions

False confessions contribute to wrongful convictions, approximately 29% of exonerated cases involve false admissions. Youth and mental health issues increase susceptibility.

Types of False Confessions

  1. Voluntary: Confession without external pressure, possibly to protect someone else.

  2. Coerced-Compliant: Confession to escape interrogations or gain rewards under pressure.

  3. Coerced-Internalised: Innocents believe they committed the crime due to suggestive interrogation techniques.

Factors Leading to False Confessions

Multiple factors contribute, including psychological vulnerability, incompetence during interrogation, and social pressures among others.

Investigative Approaches

Research on false confessions involves case studies, correlational studies focused on personality traits, and experimental approaches to explore suggestibility and compliance under interrogation conditions.

Risk Factors for False Confessions

Age (especially under 18), mental health status, developmental issues, and personal history of trauma or delinquency raise the likelihood of false confessions. Personality traits also influence suggestibility.

Interrogation Factors

Techniques such as presenting false evidence and applying minimization/maximization tactics can pressure suspects into confessing. Effective interrogation methods should prioritize truth over obtaining confessions.

Preventative Measures

Improvements include updated interrogation practices that consider suspect vulnerabilities, presence of appropriate adults, effective communication techniques, and juror education regarding false confessions.