Lecture Notes on False Confessions

Introduction

• Common belief: People don't confess to crimes they didn't commit.
• Confession leads to risk of incarceration, thus generally believed.

Psychology of False Confessions

• Two main questions:
  1. Why do false confessions happen?
  2. Why are false confessions believed?

Process Leading to False Confessions

• Stress and prolonged interrogation can lead to false confessions.
• Suspect might believe it's in their best interest to confess.
• Transient Confession: Temporary confession under pressure.
  • Recanted once pressure is lifted or a lawyer is present.
  • Known as compliant false confession.

Factors Influencing False Confessions

• External pressures:
  • Sleep deprivation, threats, and promises.
• Interrogation tactics:
  • Lying about evidence is allowed in the U.S.
  • Example lies: Fake DNA matches, false polygraph results.
  • Alters suspect's perception of reality.
• Manipulation can change beliefs and memories.

Challenges with False Confessions

• Detailed Confessions:
  • 95% include accurate crime details not publically known.
  • Interrogation can inadvertently communicate facts to suspects.
• Difficulty in recognizing false confessions.

Solutions to the Problem

• Recording Interrogations:
  • Entire process should be recorded, whether termed an interview or interrogation.
  • Benefits:
    • Improves police practices.
    • May reduce false confessions, particularly from the innocent.
    • Enhances accuracy for prosecutors, judges, juries, and appeals courts.