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Interrogations, Confessions, and Entrapment pp 163–179Cite as

Mental Retardation, Competency to Waive Miranda Rights, and False Confessions

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Part of the Perspectives in Law & Psychology book series (PILP,volume 20)

Abstract

Persons with mental retardation are encountering the criminal justice system in increasing numbers. Persons with mental retardation who become suspects in criminal cases must deal with issues of competence to waive their right to remain silent upon police questioning, as well as the admissibility of any confession that is made as a result of that questioning. Unfortunately, we have begun to learn that confessions are frequently entered by persons with mental retardation in police interrogations without full understanding of their rights (Atchison & Keyes, 1996). In addition, because of the particular characteristics of those with mental retardation, statements that they may make must also be evaluated closely for reliability, even if their admissibility satisfies legal standards.

Keywords

  • Mental Retardation
  • Criminal Justice
  • Criminal Justice System
  • Adaptive Skill
  • Legal Counsel

These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Sinclair College, Dayton, Ohio, 45402, USA

    Solomon M. Fulero

  2. Richard W. Riley College of Education, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, South Carolina, 29732, USA

    Caroline Everington

Authors
  1. Solomon M. Fulero
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  2. Caroline Everington
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Ohio University, 45701, Athens, OH, USA

    G. Daniel Lassiter

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Fulero, S.M., Everington, C. (2004). Mental Retardation, Competency to Waive Miranda Rights, and False Confessions. In: Lassiter, G.D. (eds) Interrogations, Confessions, and Entrapment. Perspectives in Law & Psychology, vol 20. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-38598-3_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-38598-3_7

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