The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #38626   Message #543747
Posted By: GUEST,Russ
06-Sep-01 - 04:47 PM
Thread Name: BS: kim C's cold war question...
Subject: RE: BS: kim C's cold war question...
Here's how it was explained to me many years ago.

One cannot be forced to testify against oneself. That what the 5th amendment is all about. That's where the expression "taking the 5th" comes from. Taking the 5th was a popular response on the part of witnesses alleged to be participants in organized crime.

One can, however, be forced to appear before a congressional committee and one must listen to and respond to questions.