Which amendment protects the rights of individuals against self-incrimination?

The right against self-incrimination is protected by the 5th Amendment to the United States Constitution. This amendment states that no person "shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself." This means that individuals have the right to refuse to answer questions or provide evidence that may incriminate themselves during legal proceedings.

This protection is a fundamental aspect of the legal process, ensuring that individuals cannot be forced to testify against themselves, which helps uphold the principle of fair trial rights. The inclusion of this right is rooted in the desire to prevent coercive interrogation practices and to maintain the integrity of the judicial process.

The other amendments mentioned do not address self-incrimination directly. For instance, the 6th Amendment focuses on the rights to a fair trial, including legal representation, while the 8th Amendment addresses protection against cruel and unusual punishment. The 14th Amendment primarily deals with citizenship rights and equal protection under the law.