This is a question that pops up in my head from time to time. I definitely even searched for and promptly forgot the answer too. But let’s do it again.

US: Yes, Lie Away!

It’s legal for them to lie (some states recently made it illegal to lie to minors, though). They can tell you they have evidence when they don’t, they can lie about who confessed, and they can say you didn’t pass a polygraph test.

If they claim to have evidence, you should ask to see it. Because while they can lie about having evidence, they are not allowed to fabricate it. So that’s something you can do.

Also, there’s the right to remain silent. Under the mental pressure of speaking to a police officer, that might be the road to go until you obtain a lawyer.

UK: Nope (Don’t Forget Australia, New Zealand, Germany!)

These countries have all banned lying by police.

For the UK specifically, these regulations came about from the new law enacted in 1984 called the Police and Criminal Evidence Act. The change occurred due to public uproar about terrorism confessions that were revealed to have been coerced using psychological and physical tactics.

Japan

I’m not sure which sources are accurate, but the sentiment seems to be that lying is not allowed in Japan as well.

Reading about the system in Japan is pretty interesting. Long detentions are very common. You can be held up to 23 days without being charged with a crime, and there is no bail prior to indictment. They can start interrogations before you see a lawyer, and you must ask to inform your country’s consulate about your detention or arrest.

The last law post was about baseball player Shohei Ohtani’s weird contract! Check it out here.