1) How does an investigator prepare for an interview or interrogation? Are there differences?
2) Find a state supreme court or state appeals case from your state in which a conviction of a defendant from a lower court was overturned due to improper police tactics during an interrogation. Discuss and properly list the website.
Q6
The internet can be a powerful ally when you are trying to figure out how to solve a problem.
When you select the link to Learning Material for the week of the class, you will see a section labeled Handy Helpers.
The first section in the Handy Helpers takes you to a page with links to videos, math sites, PowerPoints, cheat sheets and other materials that explain the topics covered in that section.
Q1: Preparing for an Interview or Interrogation
While the terms “interview” and “interrogation” are often used interchangeably, there are some key differences in their approach and purpose:
Interview:
- Purpose: To gather information and evidence from a witness or potential suspect.
- Approach: Generally more conversational and collaborative, aiming to build rapport and elicit information voluntarily.
- Techniques: Open-ended questions, active listening, and empathy are often used.
Q1: Preparing for an Interview or Interrogation
While the terms “interview” and “interrogation” are often used interchangeably, there are some key differences in their approach and purpose:
Interview:
- Purpose: To gather information and evidence from a witness or potential suspect.
- Approach: Generally more conversational and collaborative, aiming to build rapport and elicit information voluntarily.
- Techniques: Open-ended questions, active listening, and empathy are often used.
Interrogation:
- Purpose: To obtain a confession or admission of guilt from a suspect.
- Approach: More confrontational and accusatory, often using psychological techniques to elicit a confession.
- Techniques: Mirroring, minimizing, maximizing, and other interrogation tactics may be employed.
Preparation for Both:
- Gather Information: Review the case file, evidence, and any prior statements from the individual.
- Develop a Plan: Outline the questions you want to ask and the information you hope to obtain.
- Consider the Individual: Be aware of the individual’s background, personality, and potential vulnerabilities.
- Practice Active Listening: Develop your active listening skills to effectively understand the individual’s responses.
- Be Familiar with Legal Guidelines: Understand the legal rights of the individual and ensure that your questioning complies with applicable laws and regulations.
Q2: State Supreme Court Case
Disclaimer: As an AI language model, I cannot access real-time legal databases or conduct specific legal research for your location. However, I can provide you with a general approach to finding such a case and the resources you might need.
To find a state supreme court or state appeals case from your state involving improper police tactics during an interrogation, you can:
- Visit Your State’s Supreme Court Website: Most state supreme courts have online databases where you can search for cases by keyword, party names, or date.
- Use Legal Databases: Legal databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis offer comprehensive collections of court cases.
- Consult with a Legal Professional: A lawyer can assist you in finding relevant cases and interpreting the legal principles involved.
Keywords to Search: “improper police tactics,” “interrogation,” “overturned conviction,” “state supreme court,” “state appeals court.”
Once you find a relevant case, carefully review the court’s opinion to understand the specific circumstances of the case and the reasons for the overturned conviction. Pay attention to the legal arguments presented by both the prosecution and the defense, as well as the court’s analysis and reasoning.
