Warning
Info
Warning
Info
Simple English definitions for legal terms
Fifth Amendment, plead the
Read a random definition: long account
A quick definition of Fifth Amendment, plead the:
Term: Fifth Amendment, plead the
Definition: When someone pleads the Fifth Amendment, it means they refuse to answer a question in court because they are afraid their answer might get them in trouble. This is a right that people have to protect themselves from saying something that could be used against them in a criminal case. It's like saying "I don't want to talk about it" when someone asks you a question you don't want to answer.
Term: Fifty Decisions
Definition: Fifty Decisions were rulings made by a ruler named Justinian a long time ago. He made these decisions to settle arguments and get rid of old rules that didn't make sense anymore. He did this to prepare for a book called Justinian's Digest. The Fifty Decisions helped make the law clearer and easier to understand.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: When someone pleads the Fifth Amendment, they are refusing to answer a question in court because they believe their answer could incriminate them. This is a right protected by the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution.
Example: During a trial, a witness is asked if they were present at the scene of a crime. The witness pleads the Fifth Amendment and refuses to answer the question because they believe their answer could make them look guilty.
Explanation: The example illustrates how someone might use the Fifth Amendment to protect themselves from self-incrimination. By pleading the Fifth, the witness is exercising their right to remain silent and not provide potentially damaging information.
Definition: Fifty Decisions refer to the rulings made by Emperor Justinian in ancient Rome. These decisions were intended to settle disputes and eliminate outdated laws in preparation for the creation of Justinian's Digest.
Example: One of the Fifty Decisions might have been to clarify the legal definition of property ownership, or to eliminate a law that was no longer relevant to society.
Explanation: The example illustrates how the Fifty Decisions were used to update and modernize the legal system in ancient Rome. By settling disputes and eliminating outdated laws, Justinian was able to create a more efficient and effective legal system for his empire.