self-incrimination

American  

[self-in-krim-uh-ney-shuhn, self-] / ˈsɛlf ɪnˌkrɪm əˈneɪ ʃən, ˌsɛlf- /

noun

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

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self-incrimination Cultural  

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

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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.

Etymology

Origin of self-incrimination

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

These included Wanda Heading-Grant, the chief diversity officer, who invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination when she was asked about Ms. Canaan’s complaint.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 28, 2026

Soldier G has died, while Soldier H indicated he would not testify in the trial, and would use his legal protection against self-incrimination.

From BBC • Oct. 23, 2025

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 • Jul. 19, 2024

Many protections for criminal defendants, too, like the right to trial by jury and the guarantee against self-incrimination, have strong historical foundations.

From Slate • May 8, 2024

Due process of law, under Magna Charta;   principle may include immunity from self-incrimination.

From Popular Law-making by Stimson, Frederic Jesup