What right does the Fifth Amendment ensure?

The Fifth Amendment ensures the right against self-incrimination, which is a critical protection for individuals in the legal system. This means that a person cannot be compelled to testify against themselves in a criminal case, protecting individuals from being forced to provide evidence that could lead to their own conviction. This right serves to uphold the principle that individuals are innocent until proven guilty and that they have the right to remain silent in the face of potentially self-incriminating inquiries.

Other options refer to distinct rights protected under different amendments. The right to a jury in civil cases is guaranteed by the Seventh Amendment, while the protection against cruel and unusual punishment is found in the Eighth Amendment. Lastly, the right to free speech is protected by the First Amendment. Understanding the specific protections provided by the Fifth Amendment is essential in recognizing the broader framework of rights enshrined in the Constitution, which collectively aim to safeguard individual liberties and maintain justice in legal proceedings.