What constitutional amendment protects an individual from self-incrimination during police interrogation?

The 5th Amendment is the constitutional amendment that protects individuals from self-incrimination during police interrogation. This protection means that a person cannot be compelled to testify against themselves or provide evidence that may lead to their own criminal prosecution. The principle behind this amendment is rooted in the idea of fair trials and ensuring that individuals are not forced to provide information that could harm their own defense. This right is often invoked during police interrogations, where individuals can opt to remain silent to avoid answering questions that might incriminate them.

In the context of interrogation, the protection against self-incrimination was further clarified in the landmark Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona, which established that individuals must be informed of their rights, including the right to remain silent, before being subjected to custodial interrogation. This has become a foundational aspect of law enforcement practices in the United States.