Running Head: Understanding False Confessions

Abstract

From introduction: "Th e development of DNA testing has, for the fi rst time in the history of criminal justice, made it possible to demonstrate with almost certainty that a convicted individual did not commit a crime. Since its inception in 1992, Th e Innocence Project has identifi ed more than 250 cases wherein DNA testing revealed that the convicted suspect was factually innocent (www.innocenceproject.org). False confessions are identifi ed as a factor in about 25% of these cases. Wrongful convictions are of concern to all members of the criminal justice system not only because a wrongful conviction results in the imprisonment of an innocent person, but also because it allows the true off ender to remain at large and commit more crimes."(...)