A false confession occurs when an individual admits to a crime they did not commit. This can happen due to various factors, including intense police interrogation techniques, psychological pressure, or a desire to protect someone else. False confessions can lead to wrongful convictions, where innocent people are punished for crimes they did not commit. Research shows that certain vulnerable populations, such as minors or individuals with mental health issues, are more susceptible to giving false confessions. The phenomenon raises concerns about the reliability of the criminal justice system and highlights the need for reforms in interrogation practices to prevent such injustices.