discuss the uses of the Fifth Amendment you have heard of in terms of "self-incrimination." Why does a person "take the fifth"? Why is it important not to have to answer questions that may be used as evidence later?

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Alena Cunningham

History

17 July, 14:17

discuss the uses of the Fifth Amendment you have heard of in terms of "self-incrimination." Why does a person "take the fifth"? Why is it important not to have to answer questions that may be used as evidence later?

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Irene Mata · Answer 1

AnswerThe most common and well known part is not allowing witnesses to incriminate themselves, known as e. g. "pleading the 5th".

The Fifth Amendment states:

"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 in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger, nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, with out due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation."