L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs

Hayley Cleary, Ph.D., Wilder School professor of criminal justice, will explore the policy and real-world implications of false confessions at the March virtual Lunch and Learn. The conversation will be moderated by Jess C. Smith, Ph.D. (M.S.’17, Ph.D.’21), project director for the Evaluation of the Virginia Violent Crime Initiative at Wilder’s Center for Public Policy.

Drawing on decades of empirical research and developments in law and policy, Cleary will examine how interrogation practices, Miranda waivers and evidentiary standards intersect with evolving scientific knowledge. The discussion will also explore policy priorities aimed at reducing the risk of false confessions and strengthening the reliability and fairness of the justice system.