United States Constitution Amendment 5

§ 1 ¶ 1 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.

[ 1 ] Passed by Congress September 25, 1789
[ 2 ] Ratified December 15, 1791

[back to Constitution index]

[back to AmeriRoots home page]