Reforming Interrogation: How to Prevent False Confessions
Psych 🧠 - 372/500
Hello Reader.
This is more of a policy analysis that discusses the pervasive use of deceptive interrogation tactics by American police.
What is it?
It argues that while deception can be effective in obtaining confessions, it also carries significant risks, including false confessions, wrongful convictions, and the undermining of trust in the justice system.
The author calls for reforms to limit the use of deception and enhance accountability in police interrogations.
Major Findings:
Deception is widespread and tolerated: Deceptive interrogation techniques, such as misrepresenting evidence, minimizing the moral seriousness of the crime, and creating false sympathy, are routinely used by American police and largely tolerated by the courts.
Maximization and minimization tactics: The analysis describes two main categories of deceptive tactics: maximization (exaggerating the evidence and consequences) and minimization (downplaying the seriousness of the offense and offering leniency).
Deception can lead to false confessions: The combination of deceptive tactics, psychological vulnerabilities of suspects, and the coercive nature of interrogation can induce false confessions, which are a leading cause of wrongful convictions.
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What do I need to know:
Deception in interrogation is a serious ethical and legal issue: While it can be effective in obtaining confessions, it also carries significant risks and can lead to wrongful convictions.
The US legal system is too permissive: Compared to other countries, the US allows for a broader range of deceptive interrogation tactics, increasing the potential for abuse.
Reforms are needed to enhance accountability and protect suspects' rights: The proposed solutions aim to create a more transparent, accountable, and fair interrogation process.
Source:
https://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep63147