How often have you heard someone say, “They wouldn’t have confessed if they weren’t guilty”? However, it happens more often than you realize.
Teenagers are more likely than adults to confess to a crime they didn’t commit. How does this happen?
The teenager’s brain
The teenager’s brain is still developing. The prefrontal cortex isn’t fully formed until they reach their mid-twenties. This area of the brain is responsible for logic and reasoning. Teenagers often fail to understand the long-term consequences of their decisions, leading to impulsive and shortsighted behavior.
Teens are also taught to respect authority figures. This can backfire under intense police interrogations where the accused feels compelled to cooperate. Anyone can find interrogation rooms to be intimidating, even adults. Teens want to avoid uncomfortable situations. They may believe that confessing is the easiest way to end their ordeal.
Another area that can lead to a teen’s false confession is a lack of understanding of their legal rights. Many don’t realize they have the right to remain silent and request legal representation. They may waive their rights because they don’t fully comprehend the consequences.
So, how can teenagers be safeguarded from the long-term implications that come with a false confession? Systemic changes require a multi-pronged approach. First, teenagers should never be questioned without the presence of an advocate, such as a lawyer, parent or social worker. Their presence can be a layer of protection against law enforcement’s manipulative tactics.
Police officers and detectives have the task of getting a confession. However, they need training on how to change their techniques when interrogating teenagers. Recording during questioning should also be mandatory to ensure transparency.
Educators and parents should ensure teens understand their legal rights as a way to empower them and prevent them from being manipulated when they’re vulnerable.
Any teenager who confesses to a crime they didn’t commit needs a legal representative to help build a strong defense.
