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Simple English definitions for legal terms
coerced confession
Read a random definition: state trial
A quick definition of coerced confession:
A coerced confession is when someone is forced to say they did something wrong, even if they didn't do it. This can happen when the police use threats or force to make someone confess. Confessions are when someone admits to doing something wrong, like committing a crime. Confessions can be made in writing or spoken out loud. Sometimes, people confess to get a lighter punishment. However, if a confession is obtained through force or threats, it is not fair or legal. A voluntary confession is when someone admits to doing something wrong without being forced or promised anything in return.A more thorough explanation:
A coerced confession is when someone admits to a crime because they were threatened or forced to do so. It is a type of confession where the person did not willingly confess to the crime.
For example, if the police threaten to harm a suspect's family if they do not confess to a crime, and the suspect then confesses, that would be a coerced confession. Another example is if the police use physical force or torture to get a confession.
Coerced confessions are not allowed in court because they are not considered reliable evidence. This is because the person may have confessed to the crime just to stop the threats or torture, even if they did not actually commit the crime.