self-incrimination

[self-in-krim-uh-ney-shuh n, self-] /ˈsɛlf ɪnˌkrɪm əˈneɪ ʃən, ˌsɛlf-/
noun
1.
the act of incriminating oneself or exposing oneself to prosecution, especially by giving evidence or testimony.
Origin
1920-25
Examples from the web for self-incrimination
  • It's a tautology designed to evade self-incrimination.
  • He answered few other questions and repeatedly invoked his right against self-incrimination on the witness stand.
  • We're wading our way through the law of self-incrimination as it pertains to military suspects.
Word Origin and History for self-incrimination
n.

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

self-incrimination in Culture

self-incrimination definition


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 <i>Miranda</i> decision.)