From a schoolyard brawl to murder: Why do innocent people confess?

Police interviewing techniques have been a controversial topic here and around the globe.

There have been countless, high-profile cases where someone has been convicted but later exonerated – and their interrogations questioned.

In New Zealand, Teina Pora was wrongfully convicted of murder and rape largely based on a confession given during a lengthy police interview.

And more recently, Harry Matchitt had his manslaughter conviction quashed after a so-called “false confession”. He spent three years behind bars, and is now seeking $600,000 in compensation.  

So, why do people confess to things they didn’t do?

Today on The Front Page, Forensic Psychologist Ghazi Metoui joins us to discuss the psychology behind police interviews.

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You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.

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