2007-12-03 14:01:48 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
This idiom refers to the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which states that no person shall be compelled to be a witness against himself.
Mother: "Tommy, did you hit Johnny."
Tommy: "I'm takin' the fifth."
2007-12-03 14:14:41 · answer #1 · answered by Beach Saint 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Fifth Amendment protects witnesses from being forced to incriminate themselves. To "plead the Fifth" or to "take the Fifth" is a refusal to answer a question because the response could form self incriminating evidence.
2007-12-03 14:05:19 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Basically, the fifth amendment (to the Constitution of the United States) recognizes a persons right of protection from self-incrimination. In plain english, it means you can keep your mouth shut to prevent admitting a crime.
2007-12-03 14:06:03 · answer #3 · answered by kuntryguyy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It mean that you can not be force to testify against yourself in a court of Law. That you do not have to answer any questions about any part of a crime that may have been committed by you.That you do not have to give any evidence as to your part in a crime that can be used against you in a Court of Law to convect you of that crime. I all ways wonder why on the T.V. show the police can take your blood for a DNA test. To me that sound like testifying against your self. The first ten amendment of the Constitution of the UNTIED STATE OF AMERICAN are the Bill of Right guaranteeing you certain rights. The fifth give you the right not to self incriminate your self.
2007-12-03 14:38:05 · answer #4 · answered by blackheart_987 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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 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.
2007-12-03 14:05:51 · answer #5 · answered by sara 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it means, that under USA law, criminals and smart mouthed lawyers can defy the truth and spirit of the law and get away with whatever they want .. it was introduced to make the law more amenable to those with money and remove the right to justice from Mr. Jo Average
2007-12-03 15:02:08 · answer #6 · answered by The old man 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"I refuse to answer on the grounds that it might incriminate me."
The constitution provides that no person can be forced to make statements which might incriminate them.
2007-12-03 14:15:48 · answer #7 · answered by nutsfornouveau 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Basically, the right to remain silent.
2007-12-03 14:06:21 · answer #8 · answered by x3_blueskies 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it means......"i won't tell you if i did it or not". that's what it means
2007-12-03 14:05:19 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋