The 5th Amendment

Lyrics

“No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise

infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indict-

-ment, of a grand jury, except in cases arising in

Land or naval forces, or in militia, when in

Actual service in time of war or public danger, nor can

any person be subject for the same offense, be put in 

jeopardy of life or limb, nor shall be compelled in any criminal case

to be a witness against himself, …” (so “plead the fifth!”)

“… nor be deprived of life, liberty, property, without due process

Of law; nor shall private property be taken for public, 

without just Compensation”. (pause) yeesh.

Let’s see if I can translate this into English

You have a right to a trial of your peers, but it can be suspended

In times of danger, warfare, or insurrection

You can’t be charged again if you were charged before

And they can’t take your property without you charging for it.