Strategies for Preventing False Confessions and Their Consequences
University of Nevada, Reno
Richard A. Leo
University of San Francisco - School of Law
PRACTICAL PSYCHOLOGY FOR FORENSIC INVESTIGATIONS AND PROSECUTIONS, Mark R. Kebbell and Graham M. Davies, eds., Wiley & Sons, 2006
Univ. of San Francisco Law Research Paper No. 2011-20
Researchers have amply documented that contemporary methods of psychological interrogation can, and sometimes do, lead innocent individuals to confess falsely to serious crimes. The consequences of these false confessions can be disastrous for innocent individuals. This chapter reviews the primary causes of false confession and resultant miscarriages of justice that are subject to the influence of law enforcement and the courts. We first review the major identifiable causes of false confession, offering suggestions for ways to minimize or avoid them. We offer four primary strategies for prevention of false confessions: (i) interrogation only of those for whom there is sufficient probable cause to support guilt; (ii) educating law enforcement concerning the potential for and causes of false confessions; (iii) avoiding practices known to promote false confession; and (iv) greater training and sensitivity to the psychological vulnerabilities that render some suspects unusually susceptible to influence. Finally, we outline strategies for recognizing false confessions when they do occur, and thereby for minimizing their consequences.
Number of Pages in PDF File: 31
Keywords: false confessions, wrongful convictions, interrogation methods, police, law enforcementAccepted Paper Series
Date posted: January 17, 2010 ; Last revised: August 2, 2011
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