Watch The Confession Tapes

The Confession Tapes is a gripping true crime series from Netflix, which premiered in 2017. The show is divided into seven episodes, each exploring a different case in which a confession played a key role in the conviction of the defendant. The series is presented in a documentary-style format, with interviews from those involved in the cases, including the defendants, their families, lawyers, and witnesses.

At the heart of each episode is the idea that confessions, while often seen as the "gold standard" in criminal cases, can be unreliable and even coerced. The series questions why people confess to crimes they may not have committed and explores the devastating consequences of wrongful convictions.

The Confession Tapes is hosted by David Burns, a lawyer with years of experience in criminal defense cases. Burns provides insightful commentary throughout the series, highlighting the legal and ethical issues involved in each case.

One of the most powerful aspects of The Confession Tapes is the detailed and emotional interviews with the defendants themselves. Some of the defendants have spent years in prison, maintaining their innocence all along. Their stories are heartbreaking and infuriating, as they detail the tactics used by law enforcement to extract false confessions.

The show also features interviews with families of the defendants, who describe the toll that the wrongful conviction has taken on their lives. In some cases, they have spent their own money and resources fighting for their loved one's release.

Each episode of The Confession Tapes is meticulously researched, and the filmmakers take care to present all sides of the story. They interview law enforcement officials and prosecutors, providing insight into the methods they use to secure convictions. They also delve into the legal system itself, questioning how a justice system can go so wrong.

One particularly haunting episode of The Confession Tapes explores a case in which a father was convicted of killing his own daughter. The defendant, Atif Rafay, and his friend Sebastian Burns, were accused of bludgeoning Rafay's family to death while they were staying in Washington state. Rafay and Burns maintained their innocence, but their confessions to the crime were used against them in court.

The episode includes chilling footage of the police interrogation of Rafay and Burns, in which the detectives use psychologically manipulative tactics to force the confession. The episode also features interviews with Rafay's mother and father, who have always believed in their son's innocence.

Another powerful episode deals with the case of Juan Rivera, who was convicted of raping and murdering an 11-year-old girl in Illinois. Rivera's confession to the crime was used as evidence against him, but the show reveals that his confession was coerced by police. The episode features an interview with Rivera himself, as well as his mother and sister.

The Confession Tapes is a thought-provoking and emotional series, which explores the dark side of the criminal justice system. It serves as a reminder that the pursuit of justice can come at a great cost, and that the burden of proof should always fall on the prosecution.

Overall, The Confession Tapes is a must-watch for true crime fans and anyone interested in the American criminal justice system. The show is expertly crafted, with exceptional storytelling and powerful interviews.

The Confession Tapes is a series that ran for 2 seasons (11 episodes) between September 8, 2017 and on Netflix