Examine what happened to people who invoked the Fifth Amendment, refused to appear or were found in violation of the law as defined by the Congressional Committee.

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McCarthyism which stemmed a range of widespread investigations and persecutions was a legally challenging time for the United States as well. Several high-profile cases were reviewed by the Congressional Committees, most notably the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC). Many who appeared chose to plead the Fifth amendment as not to incriminate themselves or others as they were forced to do if choosing to cooperate.

The proceedings were civil not criminal for the most part, so those who were choosing to plead the Fifth, found in contempt, or simply found in violation of the law faced widespread repercussions such as dismissal from their job, evictions, harassment, and potential threats. These individuals were blacklisted from future employment or financial dealings. Since most who were accused had no relation whatsoever to the Communist party but could not defend themselves due to the injustices of these HUAC proceedings, their lives were effectively ruined, further creating fear in society.

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Academic.Tips. 2022. "Examine what happened to people who invoked the Fifth Amendment, refused to appear or were found in violation of the law as defined by the Congressional Committee." November 8, 2022. https://academic.tips/question/examine-what-happened-to-people-who-invoked-the-fifth-amendment-refused-to-appear-or-were-found-in-violation-of-the-law-as-defined-by-the-congressional-committee/.

1. Academic.Tips. "Examine what happened to people who invoked the Fifth Amendment, refused to appear or were found in violation of the law as defined by the Congressional Committee." November 8, 2022. https://academic.tips/question/examine-what-happened-to-people-who-invoked-the-fifth-amendment-refused-to-appear-or-were-found-in-violation-of-the-law-as-defined-by-the-congressional-committee/.

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