In the fifth article of the Amendments it is provided that “no person shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself.” Such are the very words of the Constitution, derived from the Common Law, but imparting precision and limitation to the Common Law.
He cites the Fifth Amendment, highlighting its protection against self-incrimination and its roots in Common Law.
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Controlled by such a code, employing such representatives, sustained by such agencies, animated by such Furies, and producing such fruits of tears and bitterness, it must be open to question.
They belong to a system so essentially irrational, that all the admitted virtues of many of its agents cannot save it from judgment.
The first is a heavenly sentiment, from God: the other is a device of this world.
Men are erring and mortal; principles are steadfast and immortal.
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