Don't Talk To The Police?

Details

Published on Thursday, 29 May 2008

Written by Tim Lynch, Cato Institute

Professor James Duane has posted a terrific lecture about the Fifth Amendment's safeguard concerning self-incrimination and the risk of "waiving" that right by speaking to the police. [He has a speaking style similar to Regis Philbin on meth. As a result, this compelling 27-minute lecture flies by. Duane cites multiple examples of how intelligent and powerful people have fallen prey to their mistaken belief that they are equipped to speak to criminal investigators. However, the most notable portions of the lecture are when he describes how easily a police interrogator's misrecollection can be used to crucify a perfectly innocent suspect who tells only the truth.]

If you want to divulge your Social Security number and other personal information to a stranger who telephones your home, that's your choice. You can choose to ignore common sense and risk identity theft. Dealing with the police raises similar risks, as Prof. Duane shows. It's one thing for you to initiate the encounter, such as by calling the police about your stolen car. But when the police initiate the encounter, it's a minefield -- Watch out!

The Supreme Court should make it as plain as possible that people have the right to remain silent. Unfortunately, the Court is creating a situation where only lawyers will know when they must talk and when they can remain silent.

Thanks to Steven Silverman of Flex Your Rights for the heads up and bracketed commentary

• < Prev
• Next >