What does the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution primarily address?

The Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution primarily addresses self-incrimination, which is the right of individuals to refuse to answer questions or provide information that could be used against them in a criminal case. This provision ensures that individuals cannot be compelled to testify against themselves, thereby protecting them from coercion and potential abuse within the legal system. The concept of "pleading the Fifth" has become widely recognized as a crucial safeguard in legal proceedings, reinforcing the principle that a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty and should not be forced to provide evidence that could undermine their own defense.

The other options relate to different rights protected by the Constitution. For instance, double jeopardy, which prohibits a person from being tried twice for the same offense, is also guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment. However, self-incrimination is the primary focus of the amendment, making it a key principle for protecting individual rights in legal situations. The right to bear arms is addressed by the Second Amendment, and the right to a speedy trial is guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment, thus highlighting the distinct protections provided by each amendment.