In what situation does an admission made while under threats apply?

An admission made under threats is particularly significant in the context of evidential weight and admissibility. When a party makes an admission while under duress or threat, this raises serious concerns about the voluntariness and reliability of that statement. Such admissions may still be legally admissible, but their credibility is severely compromised.

The rationale behind this principle is rooted in the idea that threats can pressure individuals into making statements that are not reflective of their true belief or understanding, but rather a response to coercion. As a result, while the statement may technically be put forward as evidence, its weight—the degree to which it can be trusted or relied upon by a court—will be diminished. Courts typically consider the context in which the admission was made, and if a threat was present, it can lead to the conclusion that the admission is not a reliable indication of truth.

In summary, an admission made under threats does not necessarily invalidate the confession outright, but it importantly affects how much weight the court will give to that admission, thus reducing its overall impact as evidence in legal proceedings.