What rights does an accused person have at a preliminary investigation?

An accused person at a preliminary investigation has a vital right against self-incrimination. This right is rooted in the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution, which protects individuals from being compelled to testify against themselves in any criminal case. This means that during the preliminary investigation, the accused can choose not to answer questions or provide evidence that may incriminate them. This is crucial as it helps ensure that individuals are not coerced into confessing or revealing information that could be used against them in court.

The other rights mentioned, while important in the broader context of criminal proceedings, do not specifically apply at the stage of a preliminary investigation. For instance, the right to remain silent, while it is a fundamental protection, generally refers to the broader context of police interrogations and formal proceedings. The right to a speedy trial is related to the overall process following the preliminary stages and does not directly pertain to the preliminary investigation itself. Lastly, the right to choose their own judge is not recognized in criminal proceedings, as judges are typically assigned based on jurisdiction and the random assignment process.