What does it mean to invoke the Fifth Amendment?

The Fifth Amendment is part of the United States Constitution, and it protects citizens from being compelled to testify against themselves in a court of law. When a person invokes the Fifth Amendment, they are refusing to answer a question that could incriminate them or be used against them in a criminal trial. This is often referred to as “pleading the Fifth” or taking the “Fifth Amendment privilege.” In Massachusetts, a witness may invoke the Fifth Amendment in a variety of court proceedings and hearings, including criminal trials, grand jury testimony, and civil cases. The Fifth Amendment protection can apply to any question asked which could lead to the witness incriminating themselves and giving the prosecution or the plaintiff evidence against them. It is important to note, however, that the witness may choose to answer other questions, even if they are related to the same subject matter. The witness does not need to explain why they are taking the Fifth Amendment privilege when they are asked a question. The witness’s invocation of the Fifth Amendment must be respected by the court, and any attempt to compel the witness to testify against themselves is considered unconstitutional.

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What does it mean to invoke the Fifth Amendment?

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