Which statement best describes police confessions vs magistrate confessions?

• A. All confessions are admissible
• B. Police confessions are generally admissible if the suspect agrees
• C. Police confessions are generally not admissible; magistrate-recorded confessions may be admissible if voluntary
• D. Magistrate confessions are never admissible

Answer: (C)

The key idea is voluntariness and who records the statement. Statements made to police officers are viewed with suspicion because the investigative setting can pressure a suspect. They are generally not admissible as evidence of guilt unless it can be shown that they were freely given and properly recorded. Confessions made before a magistrate are treated as more reliable, since the magistrate serves as an impartial safeguard against coercion. If a confession recorded by a magistrate is voluntary, it may be admitted in court. If it was obtained involuntarily, it should be excluded. This explains why the best description is that police confessions are generally not admissible; magistrate-recorded confessions may be admissible if voluntary.