Sunday, April 24, 2011

Fifth Amendment

Rights in criminal cases
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb, nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

What does this mean??
The fifth amendment protects people from possible government abuse. This is also what in forces our "innocent till proven guilty" policy. This amendment also give people the right to not say anything that may self incriminate themselves.



Why this picture?
This picture shows someone on trial who is "pleading the fifth" so they don't have to get on the stand and say something that may hurt their case.  

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