Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in North Carolina

Police Permited to Lie to Public?

I have been told that the Supreme Court ruled that it is ok of the police to lie to the public. Is this correct? If so, what is the decision, or how may I verify that?

Thank You,

Don Rufty


Asked on 2/14/08, 2:16 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Anthony Colleluori The Law Offices of Anthony J. Colleluori & Associates PLLC

Re: Police Permited to Lie to Public?

Yes Virgina (or should I say Don), cops are permitted to lie to anybody to help them get a confession.

Frazier v. Cupp, 394 U.S. 731 (1969) (admitting a pre-Miranda confession despite misleading police suggestion); Oregon v. Mathiason, 429 U.S.492 (1977)

More than any other factor, this "right" to misrepresent is responsible for false confessions.

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Answered on 2/18/08, 12:38 am


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