Which of the following cannot justify detention?

• A. Public interest
• B. Desire to obtain confession
• C. Level of suspicion
• D. Seriousness of the offense alone

Answer: (B)

Detention must be backed by legitimate, non-punitive aims such as preventing flight, preserving evidence, or protecting public safety. Detaining someone solely to obtain a confession is not a permissible basis because it relies on coercion and violates the principle that statements must be voluntary. Coerced confessions undermine due process and are generally inadmissible in court, which is why this motive cannot justify detention.

The other factors can play a role in detention decisions in practice. Public interest can justify detention when there is a need to prevent harm or maintain order and ensure the person appears in court. A sufficient level of suspicion or probable cause can justify detaining someone to secure the investigation or ensure they don’t flee. The seriousness of the offense by itself isn’t enough to justify detention, but it can contribute to risk factors that may justify detention when combined with other elements.