Taking The Fifth Legal Meaning and Definition

Here is a simplified definition of the legal term Taking The Fifth.

Taking The Fifth (verb phrase): A legal term referring to the act of a person refusing to testify under oath in a court of law, to avoid self-incrimination. This term is derived from the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution which gives individuals the right to not answer questions that could incriminate themselves. This is often referred to as "pleading the fifth." It should be noted, this does not permit the individual to refuse to testify against others.