self-incrimination

[ self-in-krim-uh-ney-shuhn, self- ]

noun

1. the act of incriminating oneself or exposing oneself to prosecution, especially by giving evidence or testimony.

self-incrimination

1. Being forced or coerced to testify against oneself. Self-incrimination is prohibited by the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution .

Notes

Prohibiting self-incrimination not only helps guarantee due process of law , but also maintains one of the basic principles of American law by putting the burden of proof on the prosecution. ( See also Miranda decision .)

Under this principle, a person may choose (given certain restrictions) to “take the Fifth,” refusing to testify in court or before a legislative or executive committee.

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-incrimination¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

At one point, the report says that when investigators tried to interview McDonnell, he invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.

From Los Angeles Times

Prosecutors had argued that subpoenaing Weisselberg to testify would probably be a waste of time due to his loyalty to Trump and the likelihood that he would invoke his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.

From Seattle Times

And the judge said “appropriate safeguards” can be put in place to allow for the lawsuits to advance without infringing on Trump’s Fifth Amendment right to avoid self-incrimination.

From Seattle Times

The 63-year-old Hill invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination when called to the stand Friday, local news outlets reported.

From Seattle Times

Eastman repeatedly invoked his 5th Amendment right against self-incrimination when he appeared before the House Jan. 6 committee, which recommended that the Department of Justice consider prosecuting him.

From Los Angeles Times