We the People: The Right to Remain Silent
NPRThursday, July 31, 2025 at 7:00:08 AM
You’ve probably heard "you have the right to remain silent" in TV crime dramas, but in real life, most people don’t actually stay quiet when questioned by police—even though the Fifth Amendment protects them from self-incrimination. This episode of Throughline digs into why that happens, exploring the psychology, legal nuances, and societal pressures that make exercising this right harder than it seems.
Editor’s Note: The right to remain silent is a cornerstone of the U.S. legal system, but if people don’t understand or feel comfortable using it, the protection loses its teeth. This story matters because it highlights the gap between legal rights and real-world behavior—something that affects fairness in policing and courtrooms every day. It’s not just about the law; it’s about how fear, confusion, or trust in authority can override what’s technically in your best interest.
— Curated via WP Now’s
