Right Against Self-Incrimination

Individuals have the right to not give testimony implicating themselves in a criminal act. In a criminal proceeding, that right can be exercised without repercussion because the Constitutional rights is specific to criminal proceedings. That right is more limited in civil proceedings, including family court proceedings. Individuals can still invoke the Fifth Amendment and not give an answer that may implicate them in a criminal proceeding (and certainly testimony given in the family court would be eligible to be used in the criminal proceeding); however, the Court can take a negative inference from their refusal to answer a question.