Which amendment of the US Constitution provides protection against self-incrimination?

The Fifth Amendment of the US Constitution provides protection against self-incrimination. This protection is rooted in the principle that an individual should not be compelled to testify against themselves in a criminal case. The wording of the amendment includes the right that no person "shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself," which creates a safeguard to ensure that individuals cannot be forced to provide testimony that could incriminate them.

This right is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the legal system, as it places the burden on the prosecution to establish guilt without requiring the accused to participate in their own potential conviction. The protections afforded by the Fifth Amendment play a pivotal role in upholding the rights of defendants, promoting a fair legal process and reinforcing the presumption of innocence.

Other amendments mentioned in the question address different legal issues; for example, the First Amendment protects freedoms related to speech, religion, and assembly, the Fourth Amendment guards against unreasonable searches and seizures, while the Sixth Amendment ensures the right to a speedy trial, an impartial jury, and legal counsel. Each of these rights serves important roles within the justice system, but it is the Fifth Amendment that specifically addresses the critical issue of self-incrimination.