Definition of the word third degree

The phrase "third degree" originally referred to a police interrogation technique used in the early 20th century, primarily in the United States. The exact origins of the term are unclear, but it's believed to have emerged during the early years of the Prohibition era. The term "first degree" was commonly used at the time to describe a questioning technique where the suspect was asked basic, introductory questions. The "second degree" was the more intense, follow-up questioning that pursued the facts of the case in greater detail. The "third degree," however, was when police would resort to extreme and often brutal tactics, such as physical force or sensory deprivation, to extract information from a suspect. This degree was reserved for cases where the police were convinced of the suspect's guilt but didn't have enough evidence to make a conviction. The use of the "third degree" was highly criticized for its potential to infringe on the basic rights of suspects, and some police departments abolished the practice in the 1950s. However, the term has since evolved to carry a wider, figurative meaning and can be used to describe any intense, prolonged questioning that’s considered intimidating or invasive.