BREAKING: Illinois becomes first state to ban police from lying to minors during interrogations

Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois signed a bill to ban police from lying to minors during interrogations.

Beginning on January 1, 2022, police are prohibited from using ‘deceptive tactics,’ which include promising leniency, suggesting the existence of criminal evidence, and making false claims. The bill hopes to reduce the number of false confessions in minors, which is two to three times more likely in suspects under 18.

“Chicago is the wrongful conviction capital of the nation, and a disproportionate number of wrongful convictions were elicited from Black youth by police who were allowed to lie to them during questioning,” co-sponsor Senator Robert Peters said.

In a statement, Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton said, “Here in Illinois, whether it’s paving the way for compassionate resentencing by recognizing the human potential for change or protecting our children by banning deceptive practices in police interrogations of minors, we are making it abundantly clear that justice can no longer be denied. ..we are transforming our justice system and serving as a model for the nation.” The legislation is the first of its kind in the country, although Oregon recently proposed a similar law.