What must be true for a confession to be admissible at trial?

For a confession to be admissible at trial, it is essential that it is voluntary. The concept of voluntariness refers to the idea that the confession must be made freely and without coercion, threats, or undue pressure from law enforcement officers. Courts assess the totality of the circumstances surrounding the confession to determine whether it was given voluntarily. Factors such as the defendant's age, mental state, the duration of interrogation, and whether any threats were made can all influence this assessment.

While other conditions like recording, witness presence, or written documentation might enhance the reliability and clarity of a confession, they are not strict requirements for admissibility. If a confession is found to be coerced or obtained through means that violate an individual's rights, it will be deemed inadmissible, regardless of whether it was recorded, written, or witnessed by a lawyer. Hence, ensuring that a confession is voluntary is the paramount criterion for its admissibility at trial.