• Ghostalmedia@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    So, if she’s testifying against someone else’s charges, not current charges against her, can she plead the 5th to avoid implicating herself against possible future charges against her?

    Or, said another way, how might she try to weasel out of incriminating her father / inheritance and herself? Also, what will hold her accountable?

    • KevonLooney@lemm.ee
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      1 year ago

      It’s a civil court. There’s no risk of being convicted of a crime. No, you can’t plead the 5th unless you may have committed related crimes.

      It’s like if you were a car dealer accused of selling lemons and sued. If someone asks, “Where did you get these cars?” how can you plead the 5th? Did you steal them or buy stolen cars?

      The Trump Org people are trying to get out of answering questions by saying “I don’t recall that document” or “I don’t remember discussing that”. They’re presented with evidence that the Trump Org gave to banks and the state! It just makes them look like liars, bad liars.

      Imagine being presented with a signed, notarized document with your signature on it that was kept at a bank under lock and key. Saying “I don’t recall” to 10 of those is just dumb.