Which term describes a coercive interrogation method now prohibited?

• A. Stop and frisk
• B. Terry stop
• C. Third degree
• D. Uniform Crime Reports

Answer: (C)

Coercive interrogation and due process protections shape modern policing practices. The term described here refers to methods used to force a suspect to confess, often through intimidation, threats, or physical pressure. This practice, historically called the third degree, is now prohibited because it violates fundamental rights and undermines voluntary, reliable statements. Decisions like Miranda v. Arizona reinforce that suspects must receive warnings and have access to counsel, ensuring interrogations aren’t coercive.

The other terms point to different concepts: stop and frisk and the Terry stop are about briefly detaining and possibly searching someone under specific circumstances, not about coercive interrogation. Uniform Crime Reports are a data collection program, not an interrogation method.