The Fifth Amendment: No person shall be held to answer for any 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 offence 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.

In The Godfather Part 2, a senate subcommittee conducts an open hearing into the alleged illegal activities of the Corleone family. It would seem like the perfect time for Michael (Al Pacino) to invoke the Fifth Amendment and preserve his right to not incriminate himself. However, Michael didn't get to the top of the criminal world by being a dummy, and his knowledge of the Constitution is particularly astute. "I have not taken refuge behind the Fifth Amendment although it is my right to do so," he tells the Senate, before evoking the Sixth Amendment. "I challenge this committee to produce any witness or evidence against me." The government's case falls apart, and Michael eventually violates his brother Fredo's Sixth Amendment rights by exercising his Second Amendment rights.

The Sixth Amendment: 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 where in 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.

Sidney Lumet's terrific debut is more than a compelling drama -- it's also a terrific civics lesson. Featuring an all-star cast, this Oscar-nominated classic follows the deliberations of a jury in a capital murder trial; one of the jurors (Henry Fonda) tries to convince the rest to overcome their prejudices against the defendant -- a teenage boy from the wrong side of the tracks -- and deliver a fair verdict. As 12 Angry Men proves, a trial by jury can be pretty messy -- but it sure beats the Star Chamber.