What does it mean to invoke the Fifth Amendment?

Invoking the Fifth Amendment means asserting your right to remain silent in order to avoid providing self-incriminating evidence. This is a right that is guaranteed under the United States Constitution. When a person is on trial in a United States court, he or she is not required to answer any questions or provide any evidence that could be used against them in court. In Texas, a defendant can invoke the Fifth Amendment when they are on trial and have been asked a question which could lead to self-incrimination. Before answering a question in court, a defendant should consult with their attorney to determine if it is in their best interests to remain silent. If the answer to the question could be self-incriminating, then the defendant can invoke the Fifth Amendment, and the court must respect the defendant’s decision to remain silent. The Fifth Amendment also protects defendants in Texas from having to be a witness against themselves. When a defendant invokes the Fifth Amendment, they are not required to answer any questions or provide any evidence. It is important for defendants to understand their right to remain silent in order to protect themselves from self-incrimination.

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What does it mean to invoke the Fifth Amendment?

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