week 1

Question 1

Types of False Confessions

Answer 1

1. Voluntary False Confession: Occurs without police pressure. Motivations include a desire for attention, guilt over unrelated matters, or mental illness.
2. Coerced-Compliant False Confession: The individual knows they are innocent but confesses to avoid interrogation stress, threats, or promises of leniency.
3. Coerced-Internalized False Confession: The individual begins to believe they actually committed the crime due to suggestive interrogation tactics and memory distortion.

Question 2

How does the Reid technique contribute to false confessions?

Answer 2

The Reid technique involves coercive interrogation tactics like maximization (emphasizing consequences) and minimization (downplaying the crime). These tactics can lead to compliance or internalized confessions, especially among vulnerable individuals.

Question 3

Classical vs. Positivist Theory

Answer 3

Classical Theory: Crime is a rational choice. Individuals commit crimes if the perceived benefits outweigh the risks. Crime prevention focuses on punishment (e.g., Cesare Beccaria).
Positivist Theory: Crime is influenced by external factors like biology, environment, and psychology. It emphasizes addressing the root causes of crime through rehabilitation and social reforms.

Question 4

Psychopathy
Q: What are the key characteristics of psychopathy in criminal behavior?

Answer 4

Psychopathy is characterized by lack of empathy, manipulative behavior, superficial charm, and impulsivity. Psychopaths are more likely to engage in violent and antisocial behavior due to their lack of emotional response and fear of punishment.

Question 5

Dean Lyons Case

Answer 5

Dean Lyons had intellectual disabilities and was highly suggestible. His confession was coerced through leading questions, compliance, and misunderstanding of the consequences, leading to a false admission of guilt.

Question 6

Key Trends in Crime in Ireland from 2022 to 2023

Answer 6

Theft increased by 36%, especially shoplifting.
Homicides increased by 28%.
Fraud decreased by 41%, mainly due to reduced online scams and unauthorized transactions.

Question 7

Just World Theory
Q: How does Just World Theory explain societal responses to crime?

Answer 7

Just World Theory posits that people want to believe the world is fair, where individuals get what they deserve. This belief can lead to victim-blaming, as people assume victims of crime must have done something to deserve their misfortune.

Question 8

developmental factors that contribute to criminal behavior

Answer 8

Early life trauma, family dysfunction, and poor socio-economic conditions increase the likelihood of criminal behavior in later life. Childhood neglect and exposure to violence are key contributors to future offending.

Question 9

Eyewitness Testimony
Q: How can eyewitness testimony be unreliable?

Answer 9

Cognitive distortions, stress, suggestive questioning, and memory decay can all lead to inaccuracies in eyewitness testimony, which can contribute to wrongful convictions.

Question 10

Classical and Positivist theories approach crime prevention - application of crime theory

Answer 10

Classical: Focuses on deterrence through swift and certain punishment.
Positivist: Emphasizes rehabilitation, addressing the root causes of crime such as education and socio-economic factors.