Pleading the Fifth' invokes a constitutional amendment that has a long history in US society

The Fifth Amendment’s protection against self-incrimination has a long history in U.S. society, rooted in the Bill of Rights and designed to prevent people from being forced to testify against themselves in criminal cases. It also protects due process and bars prosecution twice for the same offense. Beyond legal proceedings, the phrase “pleading the Fifth” has become an American idiom used informally to avoid uncomfortable questions. The article notes the principle isn’t exclusive to the U.S., citing English common law from the 17th century. In criminal cases, if a defendant or witness invokes the amendment, jurors cannot treat silence as guilt, while civil cases may allow negative inferences. It highlights congressional hearings where subpoenas prompted invocation of the right, including Dr. Anthony Fauci during COVID-19 testimony.