California Private Investigator Practice Exam

What right does the 5th Amendment protect?

1. The right to free speech

2. The right to bear arms

3. The right against compulsory self-incrimination

4. The right to a speedy trial

The correct answer is: The right against compulsory self-incrimination

The 5th Amendment of the United States Constitution primarily safeguards individuals from being compelled to testify against themselves in criminal cases, thus protecting the right against compulsory self-incrimination. This means that a person cannot be forced to provide evidence or testimony that could be used to convict them of a crime. This protection is foundational in legal proceedings, ensuring that defendants can invoke their right to remain silent when they may otherwise incriminate themselves, thereby upholding the principle of fairness in the legal system. The other options refer to different amendments or rights entirely: freedom of speech is covered under the 1st Amendment, the right to bear arms is protected by the 2nd Amendment, and the right to a speedy trial is addressed in the 6th Amendment. Each of these rights serves distinct protections and reflects the complexity of the American legal framework, but only the protection against self-incrimination is specifically enshrined in the 5th Amendment.