What does voluntariness mean in making a statement?

• A. The statement was made under coercion or threats.
• B. The statement was made freely without coercion or undue influence.
• C. The statement was made in exchange for leniency.
• D. The statement was made with pressure from peers.

Answer: (B)

Voluntariness means the person’s statement is given of their own free will, without any pressure, threats, promises, or undue influence from others. In practice, a statement is voluntary when it’s not obtained through intimidation, coercion, deception that overpowers the person’s will, or any inducement that would distort a true choice to speak.

That’s why the option describing a statement made freely without coercion or undue influence is the correct one. If a statement is made under coercion or threats, in exchange for leniency, or under peer pressure, those conditions negate voluntariness and can affect whether the statement is admissible in court.