Which amendment protects citizens against self-incrimination?

Which amendment protects citizens against self-incrimination?

• A. Fifth Amendment
• B. First Amendment
• C. Eighth Amendment
• D. Fourth Amendment

Answer: (A)

The protection against being forced to testify against oneself comes from the Fifth Amendment. It contains the Self-Incrimination Clause, which says no person shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against themselves. This privilege lets a person refuse to answer questions or provide information that could expose them to criminal liability, and it underpins practices like the right to remain silent during police questioning (Miranda warnings). The other amendments protect different rights—speech and expression (First), punishment limits (Eighth), and protections against unreasonable searches and seizures (Fourth)—but none specifically guard against self-incrimination.

The protection against being forced to testify against oneself comes from the Fifth Amendment. It contains the Self-Incrimination Clause, which says no person shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against themselves. This privilege lets a person refuse to answer questions or provide information that could expose them to criminal liability, and it underpins practices like the right to remain silent during police questioning (Miranda warnings). The other amendments protect different rights—speech and expression (First), punishment limits (Eighth), and protections against unreasonable searches and seizures (Fourth)—but none specifically guard against self-incrimination.