Which amendment provides protection against self-incrimination and is the basis for Miranda warnings?

• A. Fifth Amendment
• B. First Amendment
• C. Third Amendment
• D. Seventh Amendment

Answer: (A)

Protection against self-incrimination and its role in custodial interrogation. The Fifth Amendment prohibits compelling someone to testify against themselves, which underpins the right to remain silent during police questioning. This safeguard is the constitutional basis for Miranda warnings, which require informing a suspect of their rights before interrogation—most notably the right to remain silent and the right to counsel. Statements made after invoking these rights may be excluded to prevent self-incrimination from being coerced. The other amendments don’t address self-incrimination: the First Amendment protects free speech and religious liberty, the Third Amendment restricts quartering of soldiers, and the Seventh Amendment preserves the right to a jury trial in civil cases.