Ah yes, the importance of the 5th amendment.
We have a lot of rights in this country that we take for granted. Sometimes we even forget. We're trained not to question things and trust that the system works and is fair and is just. I'd suspect that the majority of the time, it is. But if you ever find yourself being questioned for a serious crime that you didn't commit, are you willing to gamble on the system being fair the majority of the time? Remember, the police are under tremendous public pressure to 'solve' and close the case. Our founders didn't think you should have to take that chance.
Here's a law professor on the subject, interesting enough video where I figured I'd write a whole post about it ;)


Comments...
(Page 1)1. I really enjoyed the video but I had two questions...
1.) who is this speaking? and 2.) what did the police officer say?
Link to THIS video:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4097602514885833865&hl=en
"Don't Talk to the Police" by Professor James Duane - 27 min - May 21, 2008
James Duane explains why innocent people should never talk to the police.
--
Link to the FOLLOWING presenter (the police officer):
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6014022229458915912&q=&hl=en
"Don't Talk to the Police" by Officer George Bruch - 21 min - May 21, 2008
George Bruch from the Virginia Beach police department responds to Professor James Duane's presentation on why innocent people should never talk to the police.
9:01PM on Jun 9th 2008 by Tommy
2. Thanks, Tommy!
3:50PM on Jun 11th 2008 by Alex Rudloff
3. Alex, thank you for posting this video. The public needs to remember they have a right to remain silent -- the Fifth Amendment founded it in the 1780's and Miranda vs. the State of Arizona re-affirmed it in the 1970's.
12:20AM on Jun 16th 2008 by Trevor Pierce