Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    earl237's Avatar
    earl237 Posts: 532, Reputation: 57
    Senior Member
     
    #1

    Nov 26, 2009, 12:32 PM
    Unfair Law
    One very unfair law that I heard about is that although it is illegal to lie to a police officer, it is perfectly legal for a police officer to lie to someone to get them to confess to something, even if they did nothing wrong. Even if someone is wrongfully convicted, they cannot sue the police for being lied to and tricked into confessing. This law is very wrong and I think it should be changed. Any ideas on how to raise awarness about this issue?
    ScottGem's Avatar
    ScottGem Posts: 64,966, Reputation: 6056
    Computer Expert and Renaissance Man
     
    #2

    Nov 26, 2009, 02:04 PM

    First, who ever told you that its illegal to lie to a police officer. The only thing that would be illegal about that is if the lie prevented a police officer from arresting someone. And even then its unlikely to be prosecuted unless the perp committed another crime.

    For example: if one is questioned about the whereabouts of a person and they claim they don't know where they are, they could be prosecuted for obstruction of justice, conspiracy to commit a crime or aiding and abetting. But they can't be prosecuted for lying except when under oath.

    As to police lying to someone to get them to confess, if they have nothing to confess to, then there is no issue. And police can't lie with impunity. If they are caught lying, its possible the confession may be thrown out or evidence deemed inadmissible, etc.

    But, frankly, I see nothing wrong in the police using prevarication to get evidence for a conviction. As long as that is not the sole basis of the conviction, i.e. there is other evidence to support a conviction.
    Fr_Chuck's Avatar
    Fr_Chuck Posts: 81,301, Reputation: 7692
    Expert
     
    #3

    Nov 26, 2009, 07:18 PM

    Depending on the state, it is illegal to lie about your NAME, Birthdate, and some places social security number.

    Beyond that, almost all crimials always lie, are you guility, NO,
    What are you doing, nothing and so on. In fact most lie in court when they testify
    Raven4565's Avatar
    Raven4565 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #4

    Dec 3, 2009, 01:39 AM

    Honestly your told "you have a right to remain silent and anything you say can be used against you blah blah" for a reason.
    Even if innocent, it's pretty obvious that if the police are questioning you it's in your interest not to say a word.

Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions

 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Business law [ 3 Answers ]

If Enron Research,Inc, contracts with Power Telecommunication to design and build an all off terrain connection system for Enron's field operations.Power builds the system,but if functions effectiduring on paved roads.Is this breach of the contract ?If so,what remedies does Eron have?

Criminal Law [ 9 Answers ]

I stole a pair of shoes from Walmart and they only costed about $15, and I had to pay a $250 fine. I was wondering, even though I paid the fine, if this incident went on my criminal record.

Can My employer do this or it's against the law? [ 1 Answers ]

This morning I came into work to find this email. I just want to see if my employer is allowed to do this or it's against the law? "Please be advised that all COD customers MUST pay their bill prior to picking up their jobs. While (name of employee) is the person that most often deals with...

Business law [ 5 Answers ]

On Friday 27 November Buyer sends a telex to seller offering to buy 1000 tones of sugar at the current market price. The telex is received in seller's offices after a short delay at 5 pm. Since the telex operator, has gone home for the weekend, seller posts a letter in the last post on Friday,...

What can I do by law? [ 6 Answers ]

My husband and I own a remodeling business in Jacksonville Fl. We had a client breach a contract. Upon his breachment, we turn over the contract to our corporate attorneys. Upon their review, it would cost more to fight than just to let it go, so we let it go. Within two days, on a Sunday, October...


View more questions Search