Question
During a trial, an attorney asks the defendant a question. The defendant replies, "I plead the fifth.” What does this mean?
The defendant is admitting to the crime.
The defendant is refusing to testify against themselves.
The defendant is asking to be read their Miranda rights.
The defendant is suggesting that double jeopardy applies.
The defendant is admitting to the crime.
The defendant is refusing to testify against themselves.
The defendant is asking to be read their Miranda rights.
The defendant is suggesting that double jeopardy applies.
Answers
GPT-5 mini
The defendant is refusing to testify against themselves.
"Plead the Fifth" invokes the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination — it lets a witness decline to answer questions that might incriminate them. It is not an admission of guilt, nor a request for Miranda rights (which apply to custodial police questioning), nor specifically a claim of double jeopardy.
"Plead the Fifth" invokes the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination — it lets a witness decline to answer questions that might incriminate them. It is not an admission of guilt, nor a request for Miranda rights (which apply to custodial police questioning), nor specifically a claim of double jeopardy.