To the Spouter from Wildwood who said: “THE CONSTITUTION IS VERY CLEAR No one can be compelled to testify against themselves.” You are correct, and in a criminal case, exerting your 5th Amendment right cannot be held against you. HOWEVER, in a civil case it’s a different matter altogether. Taking the 5th in a civil case allows the judge or jury to draw an adverse inference if independent evidence points to a conclusion of culpability.