the Fifth Amendment
/ðə ˌfɪfθ əˈmendmənt/
/ðə ˌfɪfθ əˈmendmənt/
- one of the amendments to the American Constitution which is part of the Bill of Rights. It states that people need not say anything against themselves in a court of law. However, when people 'take the Fifth' or ' plead the Fifth' in court, some people believe it is because they are guilty. The Fifth Amendment also protects individuals from double jeopardy and requires due process of law and fair payments in cases of eminent domain.