The American Epidemic of False Confessions: Those Factions Intrinsically Susceptible To Interrogative Coercion
The American Epidemic of False Confessions: Those Factions Intrinsically Susceptible To Interrogative Coercion
Loading...
Issue Date
2016
Authors
Nichols, Stephen M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The occurrence of false confession is higher in the American populus than historically believed, and it is a problem that needs to be addressed. Particularly vulnerable are those who are mentally ill, juvenile, and cognitively delayed. These groups are often targeted by officers due to their suggestibility, obedience to authority, and lack of appreciation for the consequences of confessing to a crime they did not commit. This is due in part to the overconfidence of police interrogators who scored no significantly higher than naive students on detecting suspects’ deception cues. Furthermore, false confessions are more common than originally thought due to the inquisitor holding a position of authority and the use of coercion. Lastly, after falsely confessing, these vulnerable groups are more likely to be imprisoned. Once behind bars, it is very difficult for them to appeal their convictions, and for their interrogators, prosecuting attorney, and judges to admit they made a gross error. Thankfully, DNA evidence has exonerated hundreds of wrongfully convicted from their predicament, with the Innocence Project at the helm. Several other remedies exist for drastically reducing the occurrence of false confessions.
Description
Keywords
mentally ill, developmentally delayed, juvenile, false confessions, coercion