What does 'coerced confession' refer to in an interrogation context?

A coerced confession refers specifically to a confession that is obtained under duress or pressure. This often involves tactics used by law enforcement or interrogators that create an environment where the individual feels compelled to confess, even if they may not actually be guilty of the crime in question. Coercion can take many forms, including psychological manipulation, intimidation, or the application of physical or emotional stress, which can lead to unreliable and potentially false admissions of guilt.

Understanding coerced confessions is crucial for ensuring that justice is served fairly and that the rights of individuals are protected during interrogations. The validity of confessions obtained under coercive circumstances is heavily scrutinized in legal contexts. This means that such confessions may not hold up in court, as the methods employed to obtain them can violate legal standards and ethical considerations in law enforcement practices.