What defines a coerced confession?

A coerced confession is specifically defined as one that is made against an individual's free will, indicating that the confession was not the result of a voluntary decision. Coercion can involve various forms of pressure, manipulation, or threats that lead a person to confess to a crime despite having reservations or doubts about their guilt.

In contrast, a confession made voluntarily reflects a person's own choice to admit guilt without any undue influence. A confession made under physical duress refers to extreme situations where the individual experiences physical harm or threats, which is a specific subset of coercion but does not encompass all coerced confessions since psychological pressure can also induce a confession. Lastly, a confession made in the presence of a lawyer generally suggests that the individual is being legally advised, increasing the likelihood of a voluntary confession rather than a coerced one.

Thus, option C accurately captures the essence of a coerced confession by emphasizing that it occurs when the individual does not freely choose to confess.