Interviews and Interrogations DB

400–600 words, APA format

Although logically, it would seem that false confessions would be a rare event, in reality, there have been numerous instances in the past of subjects being sent to prison based on false confessions provided to law enforcement. Unfortunately, research has indicated that some of these false confessions were discovered to have been coerced through police investigative techniques or tactics, mental illness or disease, and even incompetence of the accused. For this discussion, you will respond to the following questions:

What do you think are some of the reasons why a person may choose to falsely confess to a crime that he or she did not commit? Explain.
What is the investigator’s responsibility upon learning of a possible false confession by a suspect in a case he or she is investigating? Explain.
- What do you think the consequences should be for ignoring knowledge of a false confession? Why?
How do false confessions relate to Miranda warnings? Explain.
Should individuals wrongly imprisoned because of false confessions be compensated? Why or why not?

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Interviews and Interrogations

In the justice system, there are several motivations that could make a person to choose to falsely confess to a crime that they have not committed. The first instance is where they are tortured by the law enforcement officers. To end this torture, such an individual may decide to confess to the crime. Secondly, an individual may confess to a crime when they do not understand the consequences or repercussions that come with such a confession. Thirdly, an individual may choose to confess to a crime when they are faced with a harsh sentence if they do not make the confession.

(586 words)