House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

Many of the nation’s over 360 wrongful convictions overturned by DNA evidence, have involved some form of false confession, often secured through deceptive interrogation tactics. This can be seen in the case of the Central Park Five, who were wrongfully convicted until their eventual exoneration.  Individuals with intellectual disabilities are especially vulnerable to deception interrogation tactics. 

 

My legislation would address this issue by prohibiting the use of deceptive interrogation tactics when interrogating individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism.  Confessions made as a result of these tactics would be inadmissible in court unless the state can prove the confession was given voluntarily.  

 

As state legislators, we must ensure that our most vulnerable are protected from unfair coercion and provided the fairness they deserve.  Please join me in supporting this bill and being the driving force behind creating a more equitable and forward-thinking criminal justice system.