Confessions

Question 1

Colorado v. Connelly

Answer 1

not an involuntary murder confession (God’s will) Not a state actor

Question 2

3 possible tests for deciding when to suppress evidence

Answer 2

(1) inducement of a nature calculated under the circumstances to induce a confession irrespective of its truth or falsity.
(2) was there a threat or a promise, a fear or a hope?
(3) was the confession voluntary?

Question 3

Spano v. New York

Answer 3

A confession made after hours of interrogation, during which the defendant has been denied his right to counsel, is not made voluntarily and is therefore inadmissible at trial.

Conviction cannot stand. Questioned for 8 hours, overnight.

Question 4

Mental incapacity

Answer 4

p. 603-4