One interesting result of the development of DNA evidence is that it’s become clear that some people have made false confessions. This is because DNA evidence can be used to exonerate those who were falsely convicted. But in some of these cases, even though DNA evidence makes it clear that the person is not responsible, there’s a confession on record.
But why would someone ever confess to a crime they didn’t commit? Why would they serve time behind bars when they haven’t done anything wrong?
Mental fatigue
In some cases, people are facing a lot of mental and emotional fatigue. They’ve been arrested and interrogated. They’re highly stressed and worried about their future. This may have been going on for hours or even days. They may finally make a confession because they’re simply not thinking straight or considering it rationally. They’re exhausted, and that can have a major impact on what they say to the authorities.
Police manipulation
In other cases, the police actively manipulate people. For instance, an officer may tell someone that they’ll get a lenient sentence if they just admit to what they did, but they’re going to go away for a long time if they refuse to admit it. A juvenile offender may be told that if they’ll just confess to the crime, the whole thing will be behind them and they can go home to their parents. Believing the officers, people will make confessions without realizing the long-term ramifications of doing so.
Understanding the system
This shows some of the complexities within the legal justice system and why even a confession may not mean someone is guilty. Those who are facing criminal charges must be well aware of their defense options.
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