confession

In one sentence

A voluntary admission by someone that they committed a crime.

Plain English

A confession is when a person admits to committing a crime, either orally or in writing. For a confession to be valid in court, it must be made voluntarily—not coerced, threatened, or obtained through improper police tactics. A confession is powerful evidence, but courts carefully examine how it was obtained to ensure the defendant's rights were protected.

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Example

After hours of questioning, Derek confesses to the robbery and signs a written statement admitting he stole the jewelry. However, his lawyer later argues that police violated his rights by questioning him without a lawyer present, and the judge rules the confession inadmissible.

Used in a sentence

“The defendant's confession was the key piece of evidence that led to his conviction.”

Related terms

Evidence

Information, documents, or physical items presented in court to prove or disprove facts.

Mens Rea

The guilty mind or criminal intent required to establish most crimes.

intent

The defendant's conscious purpose or knowledge that their actions would cause a particular result.

defendant

The person accused of a crime in a criminal case or sued in a civil case.

expert witness

A person with specialized knowledge who testifies in court about technical or scientific matters beyond ordinary understanding.

Stand Your Ground

A law allowing a person to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves without a duty to retreat.

Castle Doctrine

A law stating that a person's home is their castle and they can use force to defend it without duty to retreat.

Expungement

A legal process that erases or seals a criminal conviction from your record.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.