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Amendment V: Rights of the accused, due process, property

Passed by Congress September 25, 1789. Ratified December 15, 1791. · Part of the Bill of Rights

In plain English

You can't be tried twice for the same crime or forced to testify against yourself, you get due process of law, and the government must pay fair value if it takes your property.

Original text

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.

Plain-English summaries are simplified for learning. Courts interpret these words in detail; this is general information, not legal advice.

Source: National Archives