Which amendment provides protection against self-incrimination?

• A. The Sixth Amendment
• B. The Second Amendment
• C. The Fifth Amendment
• D. The Eighth Amendment

Answer: (C)

The protection against self-incrimination comes from the Fifth Amendment. Its Self-Incrimination Clause says no person shall be compelled in a criminal case to be a witness against themselves. That means you can choose to remain silent during questioning, and anything you say can be used against you in court. This is the basis for the Miranda rights, which require informing a suspect of the right to remain silent and to have an attorney before questioning. While the Fifth Amendment also covers other protections, its explicit safeguard against being forced to testify against oneself is the specific shield at issue here. The other common amendments protect different rights entirely: the Sixth Amendment focuses on counsel and fair trial guarantees, the Second Amendment protects the right to bear arms, and the Eighth Amendment bars cruel and unusual punishment.