2006-12-28 16:10:30 · 15 answers · asked by Girly♥ 7 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
The fifth amendment give people the right not to incriminate themselves. Here is a copy of the Fifth Amendment.
Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a 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 offense 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.
2006-12-28 16:19:34 · answer #1 · answered by zaleonia1 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Fifth Amendment protects witnesses from being forced to incriminate themselves. To "plead the Fifth" or to "take the Fifth" is to refuse to answer a question because the response could form incriminating evidence.
2006-12-29 00:18:48 · answer #2 · answered by nasajd 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"The fifth" refers to the Fith Ammendment to the Constitution, which states that no one may be required to testify (give evidence) against themself. "Pleading" or "taking" the fith thus means refusing to answer questions in a courtroom--even under oath, when to answer would mean making statements that would tend to make a person appear to be guilty of a crime. Note that this is not restricted to the defendants in a case. A witness whose involvement in the particular issue before the court might be (or be interpreted) as evidence of guilt of some other crime can also take the fith.
There are some limits to this--particularly with regard to testimony given to a grand jury. Also, a witness or defendant can't simply choose to refuse to answer questions, using the Fifth Ammendment as an excuse. Sometimes a court (judge) has to rule on whether the use of the Fifth is legitimate or not--so, although the use of the Fifth Ammendment is usually straightforward, it can get complicated at times.
2006-12-29 00:29:18 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Whether they know it or not, they are referring to the Fifth Amendment to our constitution. The Fifth Amendment protects witnesses from being forced to incriminate themselves. To "plead the Fifth" or to "take the Fifth" is to refuse to answer a question because the response could form incriminating evidence.
2006-12-29 00:21:49 · answer #4 · answered by soso 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it refers to the fifth amendment to the US constitution.During a trial a witness may say i refuse to answer the question on the grounds that it may incriminate myself.
2006-12-29 11:10:09 · answer #5 · answered by Roger W 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It means they chose to invoke the 5th Amendment which guarantees a right against self incrimination (which also applies to spouses). It means they won't say anything incriminating against themselves.
2006-12-29 00:20:56 · answer #6 · answered by pinwheelbandit 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It has to do with the 5th amendment of the bill of rights....essentially you do not have to answer any questions that may incriminate yourself...
On a side note, this amendment also includes double jeopardy (cannot be tried for the same crime twice), and your right to a grand jury.
Toni
2006-12-29 00:18:33 · answer #7 · answered by starryeyednmo 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It means they refuse to incriminate themselves by answering. It refers to the 5th Amendment to the US Constitution.
2006-12-29 00:16:42 · answer #8 · answered by JenJen 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
fifth amendment to the constitution, the right to refuse to incriminate yourself. you know --- you have the right to remain silent. (I know that's Miranda, but it comes from the fifth amendment)
2006-12-29 00:16:59 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It means that they refuse to say anything on the grounds that what they say may incriminate them, I think.
2006-12-29 00:12:44 · answer #10 · answered by Stef 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋