Which interrogation technique helps prevent false confessions or coercion?

• A. Use aggressive, rapid questioning with heavy pressure to elicit statements.
• B. Skip Miranda warnings to expedite questioning.
• C. Coerce a confession if the evidence is strong.
• D. Use non-coercive questioning, allow time for reflection, and ensure Miranda warnings and voluntary waiver where applicable.

Answer: (D)

Preventing false confessions relies on interviewing that respects rights and minimizes pressure. The best approach is non-coercive questioning, give the person time to reflect, and ensure Miranda warnings are provided with a voluntary and informed waiver where applicable. Non-coercive methods reduce the urge to confess just to end an uncomfortable situation, help the subject speak more freely, and allow you to assess the truthfulness of statements without manipulation. When a person is in custody and being interrogated, Miranda warnings must be given, and a voluntary waiver confirms they understand their rights and choose to talk. This combination protects due process and increases the likelihood that statements reflect what actually happened. In contrast, aggressive, rapid questioning with heavy pressure can coerce statements, skipping Miranda warnings skips essential rights protections, and coercing a confession—even with strong evidence—undermines legality and reliability.