Between a Rock and a Hard Place: An Examination of Polygraphs and Coercion in Police Interrogations
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Abstract
Coercion is used throughout the criminal justice system. Interrogations are not immune to coercion. Despite previous research examining coercion, few studies have examined case law and the perspectives of lawyers and investigators. In the present study, using a case law analysis and semi-structured interviews of a defence lawyer and a former polygraph examiner, interrogation tactics are examined to understand their effects on confessions. Particularly, polygraphs are explored to understand how presenting the option of taking a polygraph to a suspect can coerce them; as, denying a polygraph can create the belief that they are guilty in the view of investigators. A denied or failed polygraph can be used against the suspect during the subsequent interrogation. This could be combined with coercive interrogation tactics such as long interrogations, minimization tactics, and social isolation. Results indicate that the Supreme Court of Canada, when analyzing coercion in interrogations, stresses the importance of legal rights, yet tends to dismiss coercive tactics. This suggests that the practical application of legal doctrine by the court does not protect suspects against coercion. Interview participant’s experiences reflect what is found in the case law. The former polygraph examiner stressed the importance of voluntariness yet acknowledged limitations in the interpretation of polygraphs. If misused, polygraphs could lead to coercion during interrogations. The presentation will focus on the importance of using alternative research methods to explore coercion. This gives a more holistic understanding of the issue, examining practical applications by the courts while including perspectives often neglected in coercion research.
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