Self-incrimination claim
Defined in 1 dictionary — Case Law
Definitions from Case Law
From 244 U.S. 362 - Mason v. United States · 1917Most cited · 579 citing opinions
When a question is propounded, it belongs to the court to consider and to decide whether any direct answer to it can implicate the witness. If this be decided in the negative, then he may answer it without violating the privilege which is secured to him by law. If a direct answer to it may criminate himself, then he must be the sole judge what his answer would be.