What is a major benefit of obtaining voluntary confessions?

Obtaining voluntary confessions is considered a major benefit because they tend to be more reliable than coerced confessions. When individuals confess voluntarily, it usually indicates that they have made a conscious decision to admit to their involvement in a crime, often because they feel remorse or a desire to take responsibility for their actions. This willingness to confess implies that the individual is providing information that is more likely to be truthful and accurate, as opposed to confessions obtained under duress or coercion, which may lead to false admissions based on pressure or fear.

Moreover, voluntary confessions can strengthen a case, as they tend to hold up better in court. Jurors are often more persuaded by confessions that are freely given, as they suggest an acknowledgment of guilt that is less likely to be tainted by manipulation or intimidation from law enforcement. This reliability enhances the evidentiary value of the confession in legal proceedings.