Which amendment protects against self-incrimination?

Which amendment protects against self-incrimination?

• A. Fifth Amendment
• B. Sixth Amendment
• C. Eighth Amendment
• D. Fourteenth Amendment

Answer: (A)

The protection against self-incrimination comes from the Fifth Amendment. Its Self-Incrimination Clause says that no person shall be compelled in a criminal case to testify against themselves, which gives individuals the right to remain silent and to avoid answering questions that could expose them to criminal liability. This right is why people may “plead the Fifth” and why police must honor the right to silence, a safeguard reinforced by Miranda warnings during custodial interrogations. The other amendments address different rights: the Sixth covers trial procedures and counsel, the Eighth prohibits cruel or unusual punishment, and the Fourteenth extends various protections to the states.

The protection against self-incrimination comes from the Fifth Amendment. Its Self-Incrimination Clause says that no person shall be compelled in a criminal case to testify against themselves, which gives individuals the right to remain silent and to avoid answering questions that could expose them to criminal liability. This right is why people may “plead the Fifth” and why police must honor the right to silence, a safeguard reinforced by Miranda warnings during custodial interrogations. The other amendments address different rights: the Sixth covers trial procedures and counsel, the Eighth prohibits cruel or unusual punishment, and the Fourteenth extends various protections to the states.