"as far back as 1931 the commission reported that the inflicting of pain, physical or mental, to extract confessions or statements is extensively practiced. " a. kerner b. wickersham c. mollen d. president s crime

As far back as 1931 the Wickersham commission reported that the inflicting of pain, physical or mental, to extract confessions or statements is extensively practiced. Correct B
The Wickersham commission is the National Commission on Law Observance and Enforcement . It was responsible for  surveying the U.S. criminal justice system under Prohibition, and making recommendations for appropriate public policy.

I believe the answer is: b. Wickersham
The Wickerham commission is a group of people that were assigned by president hoover to survey the work process of united states justice system. During the survey, they found out that law enforcement agencies often utilize torture in order to obtain information to solve their cases.