"You Have the Right to Remain Innocent" (James Duane)
What it is
Law professor James Duane explains why you should not talk to the police even if you are innocent, drawing on case histories of wrongful convictions. It is a short version of the argument in his book on the right to remain silent.
Why Hacker News recommends it
HN commenters send it to anyone who thinks innocent people have nothing to fear from answering police questions.
- 4 people recommended it
- 4 different months
- 2 strong recommendations
- first 2018, last 2026
What HN commenters said
“watch "You Have the Right to Remain Innocent" by James Duane.”
Law professor explains why talking to police is dangerous even when innocent.
keanzu, 2020-03 · Strong recommendation · in “Body Camera Once Again Catches an NYPD Officer Planting Drugs in Someone's Car”
“this is a very important video for everyone to watch”
Essential viewing on US policing, especially for newcomers.
dotBen, 2021-12 · Strong recommendation · in “Former Ubiquiti employee charged with stealing data and extorting company”
“that is a presentation worth watching [0]”
Presentation on how police interactions can be used against you.
robomartin, 2021-08 · Recommendation · in “FBI Seized $900K from Safe Deposit Box on 'Pure Conjecture,' Federal Judge Says”
“this follow up video by Duane specifically addresses your scenario”
Follow-up showing how volunteering information to police can incriminate innocent people.
the_af, 2023-01 · Recommendation · in “What not to write on your security clearance form (1988)”
Excerpts from Hacker News comments, linked to the originals. Summaries and labels were written by a language model from those comments.
Topics: self-incrimination, fifth amendment, police interrogation, law, wrongful conviction
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