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ABSTRACT
Confessions hold immense power in the justice system, requiring careful scrutiny. LVA technology detects emotional cues to identify deception. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficiency of Layered Voice Analysis in the identification of false confessions.
This study included a sample of 30 participants, who were divided into two groups by random assignment. Group A (True Confession) made a threat call after which true confessions based on the threat call made were recorded. Group B (False Confession) was given a scripted story and false confessions were recorded. These interview recordings, using the Layered Voice Analysis instrument were further analysed and tested over the instrument and using statistical analysis.
The results highlight the higher sensitivity of offline analysis, which proves beneficial and more credible for detecting deception in layered voice analysis. Some parameters of the LVA discussed in this paper can be better relied upon for clear differentiation.
Keywords: Layered Voice Analysis, Confession, High Risk, Conviction, Interrogation, Deception Detection, Threat Call.
INTRODUCTION
Confessions hold immense power in the justice system, acting as both a truth-telling cornerstone and a double-edged sword. The Indian Evidence Act of 1872 lacks a specific definition of confession, but Section 17 provides an inference that applies to both confession and admission. The Bharatiya Saksha Adhiniyam, 2023, largely mirrors the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 but introduces two new provisions regarding confessions (The Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023). While confessions and admissions have been valuable in achieving justice, there's a darker side to them. Past incidents have shown that false confessions, treated as genuine, have led to miscarriages of justice.
TYPES OF FALSE CONFESSIONS:
1. Voluntary False Confession: Arising from the confessor's conscience, often without police pressure.
2. Persuaded False Confession: Occurs when the accused doubts their memory and believes they committed the crime, even without recollection.
3. Compliant False Confession: Given to end interrogation or gain immediate benefits, driven by a belief in leniency or rewards.
False confessions can result in wrongful convictions, misdirected investigations, increased crime risks, erosion of judicial trust, and lasting impacts on individuals and families. Forensic psychology plays a crucial role in identifying and preventing false confessions.
Layered Voice Analysis is a technology crucial for forensic analysis when physical evidence is scarce or unreliable. It...