International Law Enforcement Academies (ILEA) Criminal Law Practice Exam

In most circumstances, can law enforcement officers lie to juveniles to obtain a confession?

1. Yes, always

2. No, never

3. Only if they believe the lie is true

4. Only during a trial

The correct answer is: Only if they believe the lie is true

In most circumstances, law enforcement officers can use deception or misinformation as a tactic during interrogations, including when questioning juveniles. This practice, however, comes with significant ethical and legal considerations. The rationale behind this allowance is that officers may employ certain strategies to gain a confession, operating under the belief that revealing information or fabricating aspects of the scenario could lead to a truthful admission. However, it's crucial to emphasize that this does not mean that any type of lie is permissible. The legality and ethicality of using deception can depend on the context, including the nature of the offense and the specific circumstances surrounding the interrogation. There are limits to this approach, particularly when it comes to protecting the rights of juveniles, who may be more vulnerable than adults in understanding the situation. If a lie crosses ethical boundaries or takes advantage of a juvenile’s naiveté, it may lead to a violation of their rights and could cause the confession to be deemed inadmissible in court. In this context, the notion of using deception is framed around the officers' belief that the lie is true, indicating that the officers must operate under a certain level of good faith regarding the information they present. The landscape of juvenile interrogation is sensitive, and the implications of using deceptive practices