What the Fifth Amendment Says:
"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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to plead the 5th?
Pleading the 5th generally means a person is using their Fifth Amendment protection against self-incrimination. It allows you to refuse to answer questions during a criminal trial to avoid accidentally confessing to the crime. Pleading the Fifth is similar to the right to remain silent in police custody - they both come from the Fifth Amendment.