What is a potential factor leading to false confessions regarding age?

Childhood and youth vulnerability is indeed a significant factor contributing to false confessions. Research indicates that younger individuals often lack the emotional and cognitive maturity required to fully comprehend the implications of their statements during interrogations. This may include difficulties in understanding the legal process, the significance of their rights, and the potential consequences of their confessions.

Young people are more likely to be influenced by stress or coercive interrogation techniques, which can result in them yielding to pressure in order to escape a daunting situation, even if that means providing a false confession. Additionally, their developmental stage may lead them to overestimate their abilities to navigate complex legal scenarios or to feel more trust in authority figures, making them susceptible to manipulation. Therefore, the vulnerabilities associated with childhood and youth are critical factors that can contribute to the occurrence of false confessions.