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The administration of justice is the firmest piillar of government. George Washington

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Fifth Amendment

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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.

The Fifth Amendment
was written to protect an accused from abuses witnessed throughout history, including in the early days of Colonial America. The founding fathers wished to ensure that, while trials could be conducted and guilty criminals punished, innocent men and women wouldn't suffer by mere government whim. Sufficient evidence of criminal conduct would have to be presented to a Grand Jury; the government couldn't repeatedly try an individual on the same charges until he or she was either convicted or financially exhausted; it couldn't demand answers from the accused, but rather would have to provide sufficient evidence to convict without such testimony; and it couldn't simply snatch property it wanted or needed from its owner.


What you can do

Join with groups defending your private property rights - many localities now have local citizens' groups working against government "property grabs."

Speak out against eminent domain abuses by attending local city and county meetings, and by writing letters to the editor.

Fight the legality of coercive confessions (multiple arrests of all those present, for example, in an attempt to force the guilty party to confess or someone else to turn informant) by communicating your disgust to your political representatives.

Go on record against the USA PATRIOT Act and any other law that permits American citizens to be held without charges.

Consider working to make your property, your town, and your county UN-free zones.

 


Hands Off My Home Campaign

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Stop Eminent Domain Abuse

   


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