What is necessary for a statement made during custodial interrogation to be admissible in a criminal proceeding?

For a statement made during custodial interrogation to be admissible in a criminal proceeding, it is essential that the statement is made voluntarily and without coercion. This underscores the principle of ensuring that the defendant's rights are protected during the interrogation process. While electronic recordings can serve as a strong form of evidence to demonstrate that the interrogation was conducted properly and that the rights were adhered to, it is the voluntary nature of the statement that is fundamentally crucial.

When considering the admissibility of a statement, the emphasis is on whether the individual was subjected to coercive tactics that could taint the confession. If a confession is recorded, it provides clear evidence that the rights were communicated to the individual, such as the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney, and confirms that the individual was not under duress when making the statement.

The other options, while they may have their own significance in various contexts, do not necessarily meet the core requirement for ensuring that the statement can be legitimately admitted in court. For instance, a written confession may not be produced during every interrogation, and having witnesses present is not a prerequisite for admissibility. Thus, the recorded nature of the statement, combined with its voluntary nature, becomes key in affirming its admissibility in