Which amendment primarily protects citizens from self-incrimination?

The amendment that primarily protects citizens from self-incrimination is the Fifth Amendment. This amendment includes a critical clause that states that no person "shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself." This protection means that individuals have the right to refuse to answer questions during legal proceedings if their responses could potentially incriminate them. This right is often invoked during police interrogations and courtroom testimony, safeguarding individuals from being forced to provide evidence or testimonies that could lead to their own prosecution.

The protections granted by the Fifth Amendment also extend to ensuring due process rights and protecting against double jeopardy and the taking of private property without just compensation. This comprehensive role in the legal system reinforces its vital importance in protecting individual freedoms and ensuring fair treatment under the law.