self-incrimination The giving by a person of evidence or replies to questions, the result of which might lead that person to be prosecuted. When giving evidence, an accused person shall not be asked, and if asked shall not be required to answer, any question tending to show that he has committed or been convicted of or been charged with any offence other than that wherewith he is when charged, or is of bad character , unless, e.g., he has given evidence against some other person charged with the same offence.