Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

What does a confession made under duress or illegality affect its status in court?

1. It remains valid

2. It is often considered inadmissible

3. It can only be used if proven true

4. It is treated the same as a valid confession

The correct answer is: It is often considered inadmissible

A confession made under duress or illegality is often considered inadmissible in court because the conditions under which it was obtained undermine its reliability and the voluntariness required for it to be a legitimate piece of evidence. The legal system prioritizes the integrity of confession procedures, ensuring that individuals are not coerced or manipulated into admitting guilt. When a confession is obtained through improper means—such as threats, torture, or violation of legal rights—it is deemed tainted and therefore lacks the necessary foundation to be used fairly as evidence. This principle is rooted in the understanding that confessions should reflect a person's free will and truthful acknowledgment of their actions, rather than result from external pressures or illegitimate methods during interrogation.