What protection does the Constitution provide against self-incrimination?
The Fifth Amendment provides that you cannot be forced to provide evidence against yourself (caps added): “No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; NOR SHALL BE COMPELLED IN ANY CRIMINAL CASE TO BE A WITNESS AGAINST HIMSELF, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.” However, this does not mean that the police cannot trick you into incriminating yourself. They are allowed to lie to you. For example, they can tell you that there is a witness next door who is saying right now that she saw you commit that crime, even if no such witness exists. Anything you say can be u
