Self-Incrimination Doctrine

The Self-Incrimination Doctrine is a legal principle that protects individuals from being forced to testify against themselves in criminal cases. It is part of the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which ensures that no person can be compelled to provide evidence that might lead to their own conviction. Essentially, it allows individuals to refuse to answer questions or give statements that could potentially incriminate them. This protection encourages fair trials by preventing self-incrimination and maintaining a balance between the rights of the accused and the interests of justice.