What are the rules of self-incrimination in criminal cases?

The rule of self-incrimination in criminal cases in California states that no person can be required to testify or provide evidence against themselves in a criminal case. This means that if an individual is a suspect in a crime, they cannot be forced to give any information to the police that could incriminate them in a criminal case. In California, protection from self-incrimination also applies to witnesses in a criminal case. Even if a witness is not the accused, they cannot be compelled to answer any questions which may lead to their own self-incrimination. If a witness does not wish to answer such a question, they have the legal right to exercise their 5th Amendment right and not answer. In addition, when an individual has been detained or arrested, they are legally allowed to remain silent. This means that any statement they make to officers can be used against them in a court of law. For example, if an individual confesses to a crime they are suspected of committing, the confession can be used in the case against them. The right to remain silent is an important right, as it allows individuals to protect their own interests in criminal cases. By exercising their right to remain silent and to not answer any questions which may incriminate themselves, individuals have the ability to protect their own rights and interests in such cases.

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