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

The Fifth Amendment most famously protects against self-incrimination.

From The Daily Beast

Bbrarkk Jjoknyyegg Kekeke immediately took refuge in refusal to answer on grounds of self-incrimination.

From Project Gutenberg

So was another principal witness, who, however, might decline to testify because of the danger of self-incrimination.

From Project Gutenberg

It is what the lawyers would describe as the most conspicuous instance of self-incrimination on record.

From Project Gutenberg

In flying from Jane he fled from the self-incrimination she planted in him.

From Project Gutenberg

A man could not refuse to answer on the grounds of self-incrimination.

From Project Gutenberg