Rights & liberties
right against self-incrimination
No person may be compelled to be a witness against themselves in a criminal case. The basis of the right to remain silent and of taking the Fifth.
In full
The privilege covers testimonial evidence that could be used in a criminal prosecution, and it may be invoked in any proceeding, including a congressional hearing. It does not cover physical evidence such as fingerprints. A grant of immunity can compel testimony, since testimony that cannot be used against the witness no longer incriminates.
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A plain-language explanation for civic education, not legal advice. When in doubt, the official source named above controls.