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Police Deception and False Confessions
The case of Ted Bradford highlights the issue of police deception during interrogations, leading to wrongful convictions. While some states ban lying to minors, a broader debate continues over whether to extend this ban to all suspects.
English
United States
JusticeHuman Rights ViolationsUs PoliticsLawPoliceConfessionInterrogation
Innocence ProjectWashington Innocence ProjectWashington Association Of Sheriffs And Police Chiefs
Ted BradfordLaura NiriderLara ZarowskyStrom PetersonJames McmahanJim TrainumMark Fallon
- What happened to Ted Bradford, and how did it relate to police interrogation tactics?
- Ted Bradford was wrongfully convicted of rape after confessing during a coercive interrogation where police lied about evidence. Advancements in DNA testing later exonerated him.
- What are the arguments for and against banning police deception during interrogations?
- Critics of deception bans argue that they attack police, but proponents say that focusing on rapport-building and open-ended questions, as used in some other countries, is a better approach that increases trustworthiness within communities.
- What is the current legal status of police deception during interrogations in the United States?
- Nearly 30 years after Bradford's wrongful conviction, police in every US state are still permitted to lie to adult suspects during interrogations to elicit confessions.
- What is the position of law enforcement agencies in Washington state regarding proposed legislation on police deception?
- Law enforcement agencies in Washington state oppose a bill that would make incriminating statements obtained through deception inadmissible in court, arguing it would hinder crime solving.
- What legal changes have been made regarding police deception with juveniles and what further changes are being proposed?
- Ten states have passed laws banning police from lying to juveniles during interrogations, but advocates push for a broader ban to protect vulnerable groups like young adults and intellectually disabled individuals.