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Amendment V



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.





Fortunately, I have never needed to plead the 5th but if I ever find myself in Chapelle's shoes, I would sincerely appreciate not having to testify against myself.

This amendment lays out four specific rights, being:

  1. You cannot be indicted for a serious crime without a GRAND JURY (protection)
  2. You cannot be subjected to a DOUBLE JEOPARDY (avoid persecution vs prosecution - you get one shot) 
  3. You cannot be forced to be a WITNESS AGAINST YOURSELF (self-incrimination) 
  4. You have the right to DUE PROCESS (governments have to follow rules & processes) 
Now, why might this amendment be important for most citizens? Well without this process, the government would hold sufficient authority to sentence anyone for any crime, at any extent. 

Here is another video that goes into depth about this amendment:


P.S Stay out of trouble regardless. 


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