What does I plead the fifth mean slang?

What does I plead the fifth mean slang?

To plead the fifth means to refuse to answer a question, especially in a criminal trial, on the grounds that you might incriminate yourself.

Where does the term plead the Fifth come from?

The term comes from the Fifth Amendment to the US Constitution, which guarantees a defendant’s right not to provide self-incriminating testimony in a criminal trial. Used colloquially, it can mean “I’d rather not answer that” for the sake of not admitting something.

What are the consequences of pleading the 5th?

The 5th Amendment protects individuals from being forced to testify against themselves. An individual who pleads the 5th cannot be required to answer questions that would tend to incriminate himself or herself. Generally, there is no penalty against the individual for invoking their 5th Amendment rights.

Does pleading the Fifth imply guilt?

Taking the fifth is a colloquial term, not a legal one. Often when a person takes the fifth, they actually say something to the effect of: “I refuse to answer on the grounds that it may incriminate me.” While this sounds like an admission of guilt, it isn’t one, at least not legally.