self-incrimination

[self-in-krim-uh-ney-shuh n, self-]

noun

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

Origin of self-incrimination

First recorded in 1920–25

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for self-incrimination

Historical Examples of self-incrimination

In flying from Jane he fled from the self-incrimination she planted in him.
The Jack-Knife Man
Ellis Parker Butler
A man could not refuse to answer on the grounds of self-incrimination.
Our Legal Heritage, 5th Ed.
S. A. Reilly
Bbrarkk Jjoknyyegg Kekeke immediately took refuge in refusal to answer on grounds of self-incrimination.
Lone Star Planet
Henry Beam Piper and John Joseph McGuire
So was another principal witness, who, however, might decline to testify because of the danger of self-incrimination.
Under Fire
Charles King
It is what the lawyers would describe as the most conspicuous instance of self-incrimination on record.
The Bible Unveiled
M. M. Mangasarian

Word Origin and History for self-incrimination

also self incrimination, 1892, from self- + incrimination.

self-incrimination in Culture

self-incrimination

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

Note

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.

Note

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.)