AMENDMENT V

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.

For a capital crime (i.e. murder), a Grand Jury must indict. The exception to this is the Armed Forces personnel, who has their own court system to try personnel for crimes committed on the properties of the Armed Forces.

You cannot be tried for the same offense twice. Remember that you can be tried twice relating to the same case, but a different offense.

You are not required to answer questions in a court of law when you are on trial. However, you do have the right to answer questions, if you choose to.

Most important of this amendment is due process of the law. Your life, freedom, or property cannot be taken from you without due process of the law.

Private property cannot be taken away from you and used by the government without receiving just compensation. If you do not think the government is offering you just compensation, then you have due process of the law, and can take it to court to let the court decide if what the government offered you for compensation is just or not.