False Confession Causes and Case Examples

Jul 08, 2026

False Confession Case Histories

False confessions are caused by investigators engaging in coercive behaviors. Here are a number of case examples.

Physical abuse and the threat of physical harm

The courts have...

EVALUATING A SUBJECT'S POSTURE DURING AN INTERVIEW

May 01, 1999

The foundation of a subject's nonverbal communication is his posture. How a person's body is positioned in a chair often dictates arm and leg movements and, in some cases, even eye contact...

Taking a Statement From a Victim or Complainant

Apr 01, 1999

Many investigations begin with an interview of a victim or complainant. The success of the investigation, and subsequent prosecution of a suspect, will often depend on the accuracy and credibility of the...

The Importance of Pursuing Communication With Others When Mentioned During an Interview

Mar 01, 1999

Frequently, when an investigator asks a subject to recount the events of a particular date, the subject will include a telephone call, personal conversation or letter received. These communications can be gold...

EVALUATING HAND BEHAVIOR DURING AN INTERVIEW

Feb 01, 1999

Nonverbal communication often provides information about the sincerity or truthfulness of a person's verbal statement. In this context, hand activity is important for an investigator to evaluate during a subject's response to...

Importance of Privacy During an Interview

Jan 01, 1999

We have all had the experience where a person tells us something in private that he never would have told us in a public setting. It is well accepted that it is...