In 1886, in Boyd v. United States, the Supreme Court held that the Constitution protects an individual's private business papers from compulsory production. Over the years, the Court has limited the scope of the protections established in Boyd. In 1988, the Court held that corporations and other collective bodies such as partnerships as well as employees acting as company representatives may not claim the fifth amendment privilege against self incrimination. Other limitations on those who may invoke the privilege are discussed, as are the kinds of documents not covered by the privilege. The act of production doctrine is detailed, and specific controversial elements of the doctrine analyzed. The effect of a Federal grant of immunity upon the privilege is also discussed, and relevant case law is cited. The article warns that the Supreme Court cannot ignore fifth amendment privacy concerns that attach to the privilege against self incrimination. 193 footnotes.