2007-05-02 02:05:34 · 7 answers · asked by Ryder 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
The applicable section of the 5th Amendment to our Constitution states:
No person ... shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself; ...
In other words, nobody can make you confess to a crime or otherwise make you say something that could be used to convict you of a crime.
This is why many people demand immunity from prosecution (in writing, naturally) before testifying before Congress - as Oliver North did when asked to testify about his deliberate breaking of laws regarding military aid to the Sandanistas back in the 1980s - Oliver North is, of course, regarded as a hero by conservatives for disobeying 'those' laws.
2007-05-02 02:14:42 · answer #1 · answered by Ben 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The Fifth Amendment protects witnesses from being forced to incriminate themselves. To "plead the Fifth" or to "take the Fifth" is to refuse to answer a question because the response could form incriminating evidence. Fifth Amendment protections apply wherever and whenever an individual is compelled to testify. The Fifth Amendment's protections often relate to police interrogations and confessions by suspects. The Fifth Amendment prevents individuals from being punished without "due process of law."
2007-05-02 02:19:53 · answer #2 · answered by MDF 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you dont have to say anything that could incriminate yourself by saying "I plead the 5th" its the 5th ammendment to the constitution
2007-05-02 02:10:18 · answer #3 · answered by patti p 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The fifth amendment protects our right to remain silent meaning; protection from self-incrimination as well.
2007-05-02 02:12:38 · answer #4 · answered by justicejamie888 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means that you have committed a crime and don't want to testify against yourself.
2007-05-02 02:18:21 · answer #5 · answered by Retired From Y!A 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Patti is right on the money.
2007-05-02 02:12:37 · answer #6 · answered by Honeyluv 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It means you are guilty!
2007-05-02 02:10:26 · answer #7 · answered by Dave K 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋