Wrongful Convictions and False Confessions: An Analysis of Exoneration Cases
Disciplines
Law and Psychology | Social Control, Law, Crime, and Deviance | Social Psychology
Abstract (300 words maximum)
False confessions are a contributing factor to wrongful convictions. In this study, data from the National Registry of Exonerations was used to examine patterns in false confession cases, including the presence of co-contributing factors such as perjury, the presence of police-related situational factors, exoneree individual difference factors, and non-police related factors. Results suggest false confessions are just one of several factors that can lead to false imprisonment. Factors that contribute to false confessions appear to be consistent with prior research. Comparisons of juveniles and adults also reveal patterns that may offer a better understanding which factors co-occur.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
RCHSS - Psychological Science
Wrongful Convictions and False Confessions: An Analysis of Exoneration Cases
False confessions are a contributing factor to wrongful convictions. In this study, data from the National Registry of Exonerations was used to examine patterns in false confession cases, including the presence of co-contributing factors such as perjury, the presence of police-related situational factors, exoneree individual difference factors, and non-police related factors. Results suggest false confessions are just one of several factors that can lead to false imprisonment. Factors that contribute to false confessions appear to be consistent with prior research. Comparisons of juveniles and adults also reveal patterns that may offer a better understanding which factors co-occur.