What does the 5th amendment protect against?

The 5th Amendment to the United States Constitution is primarily known for its protection against self-incrimination. This means that individuals cannot be compelled to testify against themselves in a criminal case. The most famous phrase associated with this right is "pleading the Fifth," which refers to a person's choice not to answer questions that could potentially incriminate them. This protection is fundamental in ensuring that individuals do not have to provide evidence that could lead to their own prosecution, thereby upholding the principle of fair legal process.

While other options present important rights, they do not specifically pertain to protections guaranteed by the 5th Amendment. For instance, protections against search and seizure without a warrant are covered under the 4th Amendment, while double jeopardy, which prevents an individual from being tried twice for the same crime, is also part of the 5th Amendment but is not its primary focus. Unlawful detention addresses issues related to due process, which is also associated with the 5th Amendment but is not the defining characteristic of its protections.