The 5th Amendment

Here's an important 5: the fifth amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

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 offense 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.

Remember that the Constitution was written to enforce restrictions on the government, as set by the people. It was not intended to be used to enforce restrictions on the people, as set by the government.

New five dollar bill

A friend of mine sent me this in email, and it seemed relevant given the name of this blog (and kind of funny, if it weren't so true).