2007-03-26 13:47:26 · 13 answers · asked by canron4peace 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
To me it's like saying "I know too much to tell you because you'll either put me in jail or the other side will end my life or career".
2007-03-26 13:53:54 · answer #1 · answered by solotrovo 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It certainly appears that way because normally a person who isn't guilty will cooperate. In essense it means that they want to force the people trying them to prove their guilt. But most of the time only guilty people invoke this right. The innocent person has no real reason to invoke the 5th. Sometimes they will do so on advice of their lawyer. But not normally. When you have a guy like Ken Lay who everyone knows is guilty - he automatically invokes the fifth. It wasn't meant to be abused like this.
2007-03-26 21:19:50 · answer #2 · answered by on_the_move4ever 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Pleading the fifth is sort of an admission to guilt in the eyes to some, But what it really is used for is placing the burden of proof on the accuser to show you are guilty without your help.
2007-03-26 20:55:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's just admitting that you're guilty of SOMETHING, not necessarily what you're accused of. Like if I was out killing someone at the time of a robbery, I damn sure wouldn't want to use that as an alibi, so I would plead the Fifth when asked where I was at the time.
2007-03-26 20:54:02 · answer #4 · answered by normobrian 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, pleading the 5th is exercising a fundamental right granted in the constitution. You're innocent until proven guilty, so if they are gonna prove you did something, it should come from somewhere other than the person.
2007-03-26 21:00:27 · answer #5 · answered by eawolfpack04 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sometimes looks that way, but it is in the constitution so an attorney cannot put you on the stand and ask you about your whole life to fine something you did wrong.
It also protects you from having to report yourself if you do anythig wrong.
It's the job of the DA to find that out and prepare charges.
2007-03-26 20:53:30 · answer #6 · answered by Nort 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not always. When you are compelled to testify you do not have the choice as to what questions will be asked. The person asking the questions can craft them in such a way to make you look guilty without providing the whole picture or just as a way to make you look bad.
It is especially important when it comes to political hearings. The truth is very rarely the goal in these hearings. It is frequently best to avoid putting yourself in the position to be smeared by partisan politics.
2007-03-26 20:52:46 · answer #7 · answered by meathookcook 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is the right against self-incrimination, an important right. The problem is most in America liken it to a de facto admission of guilt, but it is not.
2007-03-26 20:59:07 · answer #8 · answered by wanfuforever 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's simply says prove it or shut up.
It's the prosecutors responsibility to prove guilt not the defends to supply the rope.
2007-03-26 20:53:26 · answer #9 · answered by Sgt 524 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes.
It';s not supposed to be but it is
Instead of pleading the 5th they should have the option of not taking the stand. Would look lesss guilty
2007-03-26 20:53:05 · answer #10 · answered by eddie9551 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋