cases of self-incrimination

Self-incrimination occurs when a person provides evidence or statements that directly suggest their own guilt in a criminal case. To protect individual rights, the Fifth Amendment in the U.S. allows people to refuse to answer questions or give statements that might be used against them in a criminal trial. This means you cannot be forced to testify against yourself. For example, refusing to answer questions about whether you committed a crime is a form of self-incrimination. The purpose is to prevent authorities from coercing confessions or evidence that unfairly condemn someone.