This Note applies the original public meaning of the Fifth Amendment’s self-incrimination clause to silence maintained before Miranda warnings are given. After beginning with a brief defense of originalism applied to pre-Miranda silence, the Note shows how the history of the right, the understanding at the founding, and the underlying justification of individual autonomy support proscribing the use of pre-Miranda silence as evidence of guilt. It then shows that the original understanding fits comfortably within current Supreme Court precedent. Finally, the Note responds to some counterarguments.