When you say nothing at all: Invoking inferences from suspect silence in the police station

Abstract

Drawing on qualitative research with criminal justice professionals, this article explores the practical operation of provisions allowing for inferences to be drawn from silence at the point of police questioning in Ireland. The article examines (1) pre-interview disclosure and the timing of the invocation of inferences within the detention period; (2) the manner in which suspects are informed about the possible consequences of any failure to answer questions or mention certain facts; and, (3) the value and impact of inferences at trial. Findings include the need to reconsider the late disclosure approach adopted to police interrogation in Ireland, while maintaining separate inference interviews; difficulties with the current ‘ordinary language’ examples used to explain inference provisions to suspects; and, a notable distinction between the use of inferences in particular courts in the Irish criminal process.