What is meant by "immunity" in legal terms?

In legal terms, "immunity" refers specifically to protection from prosecution for a crime. This concept is crucial in various legal scenarios, particularly in criminal law, where an individual may be granted immunity to encourage them to testify against others, often in cases involving organized crime or corruption. When someone has immunity, they cannot be prosecuted for the offenses connected to their testimony, thus facilitating the gathering of crucial evidence that might otherwise be difficult to obtain.

While the other options address different legal protections, they do not fully encompass the scope of "immunity." For instance, exemption from civil liability refers to protection from lawsuits or claims in civil court, which is distinct from criminal immunity. Similarly, the right to remain silent and protection against self-incrimination relate to an individual's rights during police interrogation and legal proceedings, focusing more on personal rights rather than the broader legal protection from prosecution that is inherent in the concept of immunity.