What does it mean to "plead the Fifth"?

To "plead the Fifth" refers to the right provided by the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution, which protects individuals from being compelled to testify against themselves in a criminal case. This means that during a legal proceeding, a person can refuse to answer questions or provide information that may incriminate them, thereby safeguarding their right to remain silent and not self-incriminate.

The Fifth Amendment serves as a critical protection in the legal system, ensuring that individuals do not have to provide testimony that could potentially lead to their own conviction. This right is fundamental to the principle of due process and is aimed at maintaining fairness in the legal process. In essence, pleading the Fifth is a strategic legal safeguard used to avoid self-incrimination during questioning or trial.