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.

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