To understand the 5th amendment, also written as ‘fifth amendment’, one has to explore the bill of rights and how various amendments had been brought in to ensure equal fundamental rights for all citizens of the country.
When the constitution was authored, the founding fathers had established the framework that would go onto define the kind of country one would have. From ensuring equality, liberty and fraternity to clearly penning down the fundamental rights and duties, the founding fathers were meticulous in ensuring that no one would be treated unfairly or unequally in any regard.
As the constitution was drafted and passed, a provision was made to amend the constitution. The amendments could be improvements of existing laws or changing an archaic law to be more appropriate for the time. New developments and changing needs of different kinds of laws could also be factored in with amendments.
The Bill of Rights or The Ten Amendments
The Bill of Rights was added to the existing constitution and it was done over a period of time through ten amendments. Thereafter, dozens of amendments have been initiated and made into constitutional provisions.
The first amendment ensures freedom of speech and religion, the right to assemble and freedom of press. It also ensures right to petition government. The second amendment gives the country its right to create a military force and to bear arms. The third amendment prevents people to have soldiers or armed militia for personal use. The fourth amendment protects the citizens against unlawful search and unreasonable seizure.
Fifth Amendment: Explained!
The Fifth Amendment ensures the right of an individual to be tried under the law only when one has been held as an accused by a grand jury. No one can be tried or held, punished or considered guilty unless a grand jury accepts the individual as an accused due to substantiated reasons and then a fair trial follows with a measured and fair judgment. Also, the Fifth Amendment assures people the right to be not forced to testify against oneself. No one can be prosecuted unless the law permits so. These rights are applicable for every citizen in the country.
Other Important Amendments
The sixth amendment assures people a fair speedy trial, to get legal help and to get to know their accusers as well as confront them. The seventh amendment allows people to choose a jury trial if the civil involves a compensation of above $20. The eighth amendment draws the line against excessive bail amounts, unusual punishment, cruel fines or prosecution methods.