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Originally Posted by dksuddeth
Pleading the 5th is completely legal and it's exactly what I'd recommend anyone do after whats happened to martha stewart and lewis libby. If you keep your mouth shut, they can't get you for anything you've said.
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DK...I am suprised to hear this from you.. knowing how you feel about "original intent". The 5th amendment as envisioned by the framers of the Constitution was to protect citizens from self-incimination in criminal matters in a court of law.
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.
I believe it was as a result of the McCarthy hearings in the 50s that the Supreme Court "interpreted" the 5th Amendment to apply to Congressional investigations as well, which are not criminal investigations.