Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) Practice Exa\

A suspect being interviewed is entitled to receive a break approximately every two hours. This is in line with the guidelines set out in the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) and its associated codes of practice, which emphasize the need for reasonable breaks to ensure the suspect's welfare during an interview. The rationale behind this guideline is to prevent fatigue, which can impair a suspect’s ability to effectively understand and respond during questioning. While a break every hour might seem beneficial for the suspect's comfort, there is no specific legal requirement mandating a break at that frequency. The option for a break to be given at the discretion of the officer lacks the structure needed for maintaining consistent treatment of suspects. Lastly, the idea that breaks should only be taken upon request by the suspect disregards the proactive responsibilities of law enforcement to ensure the suspect’s well-being during what can be a stressful process. Thus, the requirement for breaks approximately every two hours is designed to balance the needs of law enforcement with the rights and health of the suspect.