False Confessions - Gudjonsson

Question 1

Aim of Gudjonsson

Answer 1

Document the case of false confession of a youth who was distressed and susceptible to interrogative pressure

Question 2

Method of Gudjonsson

Answer 2

Case study

Question 3

Participant of Gudjonsson

Answer 3

17 years old, accused of two murders

• Average IQ
• No mental illness
• called FC

Question 4

Background of Gudjonsson

Answer 4

• 1987, to women were murdered in their home, their savings were taken
• Few days later FC arrested due to inconsistencies in his account and increased spending recently
• Denied solicitor, interviewed at length by police - led to a confession. Convicted. A year later released by police as another person pleaded guilty

Question 5

Police interviews of Gudjonsson

Answer 5

• First interview, 14 hours with breaks. Started by denying to be near the scene. Repeatedly accused f lying until agreeing he was there.
• 2nd interview next day in front of solicitor. Repeated statement. Confessed again under pressure about failed relationships. 3 more interviews

Question 6

Psychiatric evaluation of Gudjonsson

Answer 6

• No evidence for mental illness
• Scored 10/10 for suggestibility on Gudjonsson’s Suggestibility Scale
• IQ of 94
• stable extrovert on Eyesnks scale

Question 7

Conclusions of Gudjonsson

Answer 7

• Case of “coerced compliant” false confession. Giving into pressure in order to escape an intolerable situation. It can happen to anyone
• Following release. FC, change in personality experiences hardened him and his self confidence improved