What right does the Fifth Amendment protect individuals from?

The Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution protects individuals from self-incrimination, which means that a person cannot be compelled to testify against themselves in a criminal case. This provision ensures that an individual has the right to remain silent when questioned, thereby safeguarding against coercion by law enforcement or the government. This fundamental protection upholds the principle of fair legal proceedings and reinforces the idea that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution, not the accused.

In contrast, the rights to free speech and to bear arms pertain to the First and Second Amendments, respectively. The right to a speedy trial is protected under the Sixth Amendment, which is focused on ensuring that individuals are afforded a fair and prompt trial process. Each of these other options relates to different aspects of individual rights under the Bill of Rights, but the unique protection from self-incrimination is specifically outlined in the Fifth Amendment.