2006-11-03 09:06:56 · 14 answers · asked by jewell d 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
That makes no sense...of course not - especially if you're court ordered.
"The 5th" only protects the accused.
If you're a witness - you're not accused....yet
2006-11-03 09:09:12 · answer #1 · answered by Warrior 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The 5th ammendment protects you against 'self' incrimincation. You can plead the 5th if your testimony could incriminate you, but you can not plead the 5th to keep from incriminating someone else. If you try to use this tactic to avoid answering questions while on the stand, it is likely the judge will order you to answer. If you fail to do so, you will likely be arrested an jailed for contempt of court.
2006-11-05 15:41:09 · answer #2 · answered by James P 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, the 5th ammendment allows you to clam up to prevent SELF INCRIMINATION. The only way you could invoke the 5th as a witness , is if you were complicit in the crime also. Tell, what you know, or be held in contempt of court.
2006-11-03 10:21:08 · answer #3 · answered by WC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Short answer yes. You could incriminate yoursself as a witness.
2006-11-03 10:09:57 · answer #4 · answered by jstokes1085 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, unless you are married to the defendant. The 5th Amendment's provision is against *self*-incrimination, not against incriminating someone else.
2006-11-03 09:13:44 · answer #5 · answered by romulusnr 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its called pleading the 5th for a reason...no one can force you to talk...but you probably should speak up in less you are in fear of your life
2006-11-03 09:09:26 · answer #6 · answered by ELIZY 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can, but you need to becareful because you coulod then become a hostile witness where they can badger you down and make you look like a fool.
2006-11-03 09:16:24 · answer #7 · answered by Michael R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If there is any way in which you feel that your testimony will incriminate yourself, you are allowed to plea the 5th.
2006-11-03 09:08:52 · answer #8 · answered by Old Mad One 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, due to a question that would incriminate you if you answered truthfully.
2006-11-03 09:08:53 · answer #9 · answered by beez 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only if answering can implicate you. If you try to use it otherwise then you will probably be cited for contempt.
2006-11-03 09:08:55 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋