New York Private Investigator Regulations Practice Exam

What is the legal definition of a confession?

1. A denial of criminal involvement in a trial

2. A statement by a person admitting guilt of a crime

3. A declaration of innocence made by the accused

4. A plea bargain arrangement with the prosecution

The correct answer is: A statement by a person admitting guilt of a crime

A confession is defined as a statement by a person admitting guilt of a crime, which makes the choice focusing on the admission of guilt accurate. In legal terms, a confession is an acknowledgment of culpability or involvement in a criminal act. It serves as one of the strongest pieces of evidence that can be presented in a trial, as it comes directly from the individual who is being accused of committing the crime. In contrast, denials of criminal involvement or declarations of innocence do not align with the concept of a confession because they indicate a refusal to accept responsibility. Similarly, a plea bargain is a negotiation where a defendant may agree to plead guilty to a lesser charge but does not inherently constitute a confession. The crux of a confession lies in the explicit admission of guilt, making the answer that defines a confession as an acknowledgment of wrongdoing the most accurate.