| Fifth Amendment | |
| —n | |
| 1. | an amendment to the US Constitution stating that no person may be compelled to testify against himself and that no person may be tried for a second time on a charge for which he has already been acquitted |
| 2. | (US) take the fifth, take the fifth amendment to refuse to answer a question on the grounds that it might incriminate oneself |
One of the ten amendments to the United States Constitution that make up the Bill of Rights. The Fifth Amendment imposes restrictions on the government's prosecution of persons accused of crimes. It prohibits self-incrimination and double jeopardy and mandates due process of law.
Note: To “take the Fifth” is to refuse to testify because the testimony could lead to self-incrimination.