Police-Induced Confessions, Risk Factors and Recommendations: Looking Ahead

4 Pages Posted: 1 Mar 2010 Last revised: 6 Apr 2010

See all articles by Saul M. Kassin

Saul M. Kassin

John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Steven A. Drizin

Northwestern University - School of Law, Bluhm Legal Clinic; Northwestern University - Center on Wrongful Convictions

Thomas Grisso

University of Massachusetts Worcester - Medical School

Gisli H. Gudjonsson

King’s College London

Richard A. Leo

University of San Francisco

Allison D. Redlich

State University of New York (SUNY) - School of Criminal Justice

Date Written: January 1, 2010

Abstract

Reviewing the literature on police-induced confessions, we identified suspect characteristics and interrogation tactics that influence confessions and their effects on juries. We concluded with a call for the mandatory electronic recording of interrogations and a consideration of other possible reforms. The preceding commentaries make important substantive points that can lead us forward - on the effects of videotaping of interrogations on case dispositions; on the study of non-custodial methods, such as the controversial Mr. Big technique; and on an analysis of why confessions, once withdrawn, elicit such intractable responses compared to statements given by child and adult victims. Toward these ends, we hope that this issue provides a platform for future research aimed at improving the diagnostic value of confession evidence.

Keywords: Police Interviews, Interrogations, False Confessions

Suggested Citation

Kassin, Saul M. and Drizin, Steven A. and Grisso, Thomas and Gudjonsson, Gisli H. and Leo, Richard A. and Redlich, Allison D., Police-Induced Confessions, Risk Factors and Recommendations: Looking Ahead (January 1, 2010). Law and Human Behavior, Vol. 34, 2010, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1561925

Saul M. Kassin

John Jay College of Criminal Justice ( email )

695 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10021
United States

Steven A. Drizin

Northwestern University - School of Law, Bluhm Legal Clinic ( email )

375 E. Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
United States
312-503-8576 (Phone)

Northwestern University - Center on Wrongful Convictions

375 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, CA 60611
United States

Thomas Grisso

University of Massachusetts Worcester - Medical School ( email )

55 Lake Avenue North
Worcester, MA 01655
United States

Gisli H. Gudjonsson

King’s College London ( email )

Strand
London, England WC2R 2LS
United Kingdom

Richard A. Leo (Contact Author)

University of San Francisco ( email )

2130 Fulton Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
United States

Allison D. Redlich

State University of New York (SUNY) - School of Criminal Justice ( email )

Draper 219
1400 Washington Ave.
Albany, NY 12222
United States
518/442-5210 (Phone)