What legal term describes the act of testifying against oneself?

The term that describes the act of testifying against oneself is self-incrimination. This legal concept is rooted in the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution, which provides individuals with the right to avoid providing information that could lead to their own prosecution. The principle is designed to protect individuals from being forced to make statements that could be harmful to their legal interests.

Self-incrimination is a fundamental protection in the legal system, ensuring that individuals cannot be compelled to confess or disclose information that could incriminate them in a criminal case. This protection plays a critical role in upholding the integrity of the legal process and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. Knowing this concept is crucial for understanding individual rights in legal proceedings and the broader implications for justice and fairness in the judicial system.