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Privilege against self-incrimination

A privilege guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution.  It bans a a witness from being compelled to give testimony that is self-incriminating.

Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary

A witness's right to refuse to testify in court if the testimony might result in the witness revealing criminal activity and/or being criminally prosecuted. This right is guaranteed in the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution, but is waivable under certain circumstances.

Definition provided by Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary.

August 19, 2010, 5:22 pm