If you’re innocent, why are you taking the Fifth Amendment?”This erroneous perspective of the right against compelled self-incrimination forgets a lot of history. She then invoked the Fifth Amendment and refused to answer any questions from members of the committee. They argued that by making an opening statement in which she professed her innocence, Lerner had waived her Fifth Amendment rights. The Fifth Amendment applies in any legal proceeding. Proceeding in this way, protects the Fifth Amendment rights of individuals and gives Congress the information it wants.

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