A person sits on the witness stand... A question is asked of the witness... The only response is... "I plead the fifth! " meaning that they won't testify against themselves.
But this amendment is about a lot more than commonly portrayed in television and the movies.
" 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 offense 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"
So it looks like double jeopardy, self - incrimination, being imprisoned without charges being filed, and eminent domain seizures without fair compensation all come from the Fifth Amendment.
I think that the NDAA is probably already violating this amendment.
I feel pretty dumb now that I am half way through the Bill of Rights and really didn't know what they said.
You are welcome for the enlightenment, I certainly know I am!
You can find the text of the Constitution online at:
Fifth Amendment specifically:
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