Under what conditions can statements made during routine questioning be admissible in court?

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Statements made during routine questioning can be admissible in court when they are voluntary and when they do not relate to the crime charged.

Voluntariness is crucial because statements obtained under coercion, duress, or without the suspect's free will can lead to issues of reliability and fairness in the judicial process. If a statement is given voluntarily, it indicates that the individual was willing to provide information without any undue pressure, making it more likely to be reliable and considered trustworthy evidence.

Additionally, if the statements do not pertain to the specific crime charged, they might still be admissible depending on their relevance and potential implications for the case. Statements that are unrelated to the charged crime can provide context or background information that may be useful for the court, and their admittance would not infringe on a suspect's rights regarding self-incrimination related to the specific crime.

In contrast, requiring the presence of a lawyer or other factors can complicate the admissibility of statements, as the right to legal counsel primarily protects individuals during custodial interrogations rather than routine questioning. Therefore, for statements to be admissible, they must meet the conditions of being voluntary and not directly linked to the crime at hand.

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