The Fifth Amendment Due Process and various details was included in the Bill of Rights added to the US Constitution on December 15, 1791. These are the very words now stated in the Constitution:
“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 offense 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.”
What are the key points for the Fifth Amendment Due Process?
- The Grand Jury – This jury first decides if a trial should take place. The members consider all the evidence and then determine if the accused should be charged with the crime. With sufficient evidence against the person, the grand jury will issue an indictment and a trial will follow.
“This only involves severe crimes that warrant life imprisonment or capital punishment.”
- Double Jeopardy – This protects the person from being tried for the same offense a second time.
- “Taking the Fifth” – This is the most famous part of the amendment: the right to not testify against yourself during the trial to avoid self-incrimination. It’s up to the state to present witnesses and evidence to prove your guilt. It cannot force anybody to testify against themselves. The police have to give the Miranda Warning (“You have the right to remain silent; anything you say or do may be used against you in a court of law…”) to remind the arrested of their right not to testify against themselves.
- Due Process of Law – The Fifth Amendment due process means that a person charged with a crime has a right to a fair trial following a clear procedure through the justice system. Upon arrest, a person charged with a bailable offense may contact bail agents to post bail for him so he doesn’t have to wait for his trial in jail.
- Eminent Domain – This means that the state can’t take an individual’s private property without giving a fair payment for it. If your property is needed for public use, you have to be paid a fair price for it.
The Fifth Amendment Due Process was clearly added to further ensure that the government treats its citizens, even those charged with a crime, fairly.
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