Why must a confession be corroborated?

A confession must be corroborated primarily to verify its authenticity as evidence. This means that, in a legal context, a confession should not be taken at face value without additional supporting evidence that confirms its validity. Corroboration minimizes the risk of false confessions, which can occur due to coercion, misunderstanding, or psychological factors. By requiring corroborating evidence, the legal system helps ensure that the confession is credible and can be relied upon in court, thereby maintaining the integrity of the judicial process.

While spontaneity, the right to remain silent, and consistency with witness testimonies are important elements in the broader context of a legal case, they do not specifically address the need to ensure the confession's authenticity as valid evidence in a court of law.