What elements of the interrogation process contributed to the false confessions?

This activity addresses module outcome 1. Upon completion of this activity, you will be able to:

MO1: Trace historical philosophies shaping legal responses to juvenile offenders. (CO2)

The potential for false confessions is a significant concern in the juvenile justice system. This is particularly true for younger juveniles, youth with cognitive impairments and other mental disorders, youth exposed to trauma, and youth under extreme duress.

Before you begin this discussion, be sure to complete the following:

View the following:

PowerPoint presentations:

Juveniles and False ConfessionsPreview the document [Presentation slides][PPTX file size 599.1 KB]

Online videos:

National Geographic. (2008, March 5). Interrogation or child abuse? (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. [Video file] [5 min 1 sec]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkLHXKHb1Vc

Respond to the following:

1. What is your reaction to the interrogation of Michael Crowe?

2. What elements of the interrogation process contributed to the false confessions?

During this module you will:

Read:

Erickson, P. E., & Erickson, S. K. (2008). Crime, punishment, and mental illness: Law and the behavioral sciences in conflict. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press.

Chapter 6: Juvenile Offenders, Development Competency, and Mental Illness.

Module notes

Wasserman, G. A., Ko, S. J., & McReynolds, L. S. (2004). Assessing the mental health status of youth in juvenile justice settings. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED495782.pdf