Which of the following is an example of self-incrimination?

Self-incrimination occurs when an individual provides information or testimony that could potentially be used against them in a criminal case. This concept is rooted in the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects individuals from being compelled to testify against themselves.

Giving a confession to a police officer is a prime example of self-incrimination. In this scenario, the individual voluntarily admits to committing a crime, which can be used as evidence in court. This act clearly demonstrates the risk of revealing information that may lead to prosecution.

Other options, like testifying in court or submitting a written statement, typically occur in a legal context where self-incrimination can be contested if the individual asserts their right against self-incrimination. Additionally, asking for a public defender relates to one's right to legal representation rather than directly implicating oneself in a criminal act. Thus, these actions do not inherently involve the act of compromising one's legal standing by admitting guilt, which is why they are not classified as self-incrimination.