Legal Definitions - third degree

Definition: The process of extracting a confession or information from a suspect or prisoner by prolonged questioning, the use of threats, or physical torture.

Example: The police gave the suspect the third degree to get him to confess to the crime.

Explanation: The example illustrates the definition by showing how the police used prolonged questioning and possibly threats or physical torture to get the suspect to confess to the crime. The third degree is a controversial and illegal method of interrogation that violates a person's rights and can lead to false confessions.