Promises
Defined in 2 dictionaries — Bouvier (1914), Bouvier (1839)
Bouvier's Law Dictionary and Concise Encyclopedia
John Bouvier; revised by Francis Rawle · 1914
When a defendant has been arrested, he is frequently induced to make confession in consequence of promises made to him that if he wall tell the truth he will be either discharged or favored; in such a case, evidence of the confession caunot be received, because, being obtained by the flattery of hope, it comes in so questionable a shape, w T hen it is to ho considered evidence of guilt, that no credit ought to be given to it; Com. v. Chabbock, 1 Mass. 144; 1 Leach 299. This is the principle; but wdiat amounts to a promise is not so easily defined. See Confession.
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
John Bouvier · 1839
evidence. When a defendant has been arrested, he is frequently induced to make confession in consequence of promises made to him, that if he will tell the truth, he will be either discharged or favoured: in such a case evidence of the confession cannot be received, because being obtained by the flattery of hope, it comes in so questionable a shape, when it is to be considered evidence of guilt, that no credit ought to be given to it; 1 Leach, 263; this is the principle, but what amounts to a promise is not so easily defined. Vide Confession.