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American Experience

The Third Degree

The prevalence and phasing of the Third Degree.

Aired 01/03/2023

American Experience

The Third Degree

Clip: Season 35 Episode 1 | 4m 16s

The prevalence and phasing of the Third Degree.

Some etymologists trace the phrase 'The Third Degree' back to Freemasonry, but by the early 20th century, the term had become firmly associated with something entirely different: harsh police interrogation, or more accurately, torture.

Aired 01/03/2023

Corporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Carlisle Companies. Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

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Corporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Carlisle Companies. Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

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