Which amendment protects against self-incrimination and double jeopardy?

The Fifth Amendment is pivotal in safeguarding individuals against self-incrimination and double jeopardy. Self-incrimination refers to the right of an individual to avoid providing evidence that could be used against them in a criminal case. This means that a person cannot be compelled to testify against themselves, ensuring that individuals are not forced into situations where they may have to confess to crimes under coercion.

Double jeopardy is another critical protection provided by the Fifth Amendment, which prevents an individual from being tried twice for the same offense after an acquittal or conviction. This principle maintains the integrity of legal proceedings, ensuring that once a person has been tried and the jury has rendered a verdict, they cannot be subjected to the anxiety and expense of multiple trials for the same alleged act.

In contrast, the Sixth Amendment primarily focuses on the rights of defendants in criminal prosecutions, such as the right to a fair trial, the right to an attorney, and the right to confront witnesses. The Fourth Amendment deals with protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, while the First Amendment protects freedoms concerning speech, religion, and assembly. Thus, while they play essential roles in the legal system, they do not address self-incrimination or double jeopardy as directly as the Fifth Amendment does.