Chicago Police Department (CPD) Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The right to remain silent is granted by the 5th Amendment of the United States Constitution. This amendment states that no person "shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself," which essentially protects individuals from self-incrimination. This means that during police interrogations or legal proceedings, individuals have the right to refuse to answer questions that may incriminate them. This protection is a fundamental aspect of the due process of law and serves as a safeguard against coercive interrogation tactics.

While the 1st Amendment deals with freedom of speech and religion, the 4th Amendment addresses protection from unreasonable searches and seizures, and the 6th Amendment ensures the right to a fair trial and legal counsel, none of these specifically grants the right to remain silent in the context of self-incrimination. The specific language and intent of the 5th Amendment ensure that individuals can opt not to speak during legal proceedings, thereby protecting their rights and interests.