Case library · You Have the Right
The Second Confession
Oregon v. Elstad (1985)
Charge: First-degree burglaryCourt: U.S. Supreme CourtState: OregonDocket: You Have the Right
The facts
An 18-year-old was suspected of a burglary at a home. Police came to his house. Without warning him of his rights, an officer asked if he knew about it. He said, 'Yes, I was there.' About an hour later at the station, he was properly warned of his rights, said he understood, and gave a full written confession. He says the first, unwarned admission 'let the cat out of the bag' and spoiled the second. Can the written confession be used?
You have the facts the court had. Guilty or not guilty? Call it in the game with your friends, then see what the court actually decided. Wrong call, you drink.
Citation: Oregon v. Elstad, 470 U.S. 298 (1985)
Read more at supreme.justia.com. The source reveals the outcome.