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POLS 210G: American Constitutional Law: Fifth & Sixth Amendments

This guide will help you find information about the United States Constitution and its amendments, including primary sources.

The Fifth & Sixth Amendments: What Do They Actually Say?

The Fifth Amendment states:

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 offense 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 Sixth Amendment states:

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.

Books About Fifth & Sixth Amendment Issues

  • Books located in the Stacks may be borrowed from the Library with your student ID card. 
  • To view electronic books from off-campus, enter the same login and password that you use to open your "Student Workday" account.

Library Catalog

Search the Library Catalog (SpartaCat) to find books.

Law books, including the United States Code Annotated, and other titles discussing legal topics in the United States, are located in the call number range beginning with the letters "KF." Books covering legal topics in Pennsylvania are shelved in the area beginning with the letters "KFP."

In addition to books about the Fifth Amendment located in the KF area, you'll also find materials about the criminal justice system shelved in the section starting with the letters "HV."