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Old 06-02-2010, 04:35 AM   #12 (permalink)
GreyWolf
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Location: Eastern Canada
Quote:
Originally Posted by The_Dunedan View Post
Repeat after me, folks:

I do not wish to make any statement at this time. I do not consent to any search of my person, property, papers or effects. I wish to speak to an attorney immediately.

Repeat as necessary. SAY NOTHING ELSE. This entire ruling stinks, and here's what it smells like: an attempt to force defendants into uttering the jury-prejudicing words "incriminate myself" or "self-incrimination" or some permutation thereof, ie "Under my 5th Amendment rights, I refuse to answer the Prosecutor's question on the grounds of self-incrimination."
The problem with just remaining silent is the question of how long do you have to remain silent before the police must assume you are asserting your rights? This went on for 3 hours with this guy, although he didn't remain silent - he was monosyllabic and generally uncommunicative.

As Dunedan says, an unequivocal statement that you wish not to answer questions takes care of that, and should be one of your first actions. It is somewhat similar to your right to a lawyer. The police need not assume you wish a lawyer until you communicate that to them explicitly. So forcing them to assume you wish to remain silent without saying so is a bit tough. Don't leave anything up to the police... make it known explicitly.

As for the 5th Amendment, you should never refer to wishing not to self-incriminate. You should simply state you wish to assert your 5th Amendment rights. Period.

I also highly recommend the following video series (I've only posted the first part)... they are a wonderful discussion of WHY the 5th Amendment is so important (we Canadians do not enjoy that protection):

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