When a criminal defendant invokes his "Fifth Amendment rights," what does he mean?

When a criminal defendant invokes his "Fifth Amendment rights," he is specifically referring to the protection against self-incrimination granted by the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This means that he does not wish to testify against himself in court, as any statements made could potentially be used as evidence against him in the prosecution's case. This right helps to ensure that individuals are not compelled to provide evidence that could lead to their own conviction, reinforcing the principle of fairness in legal proceedings.

The Fifth Amendment allows individuals to refuse to answer questions or make statements that could incriminate themselves, which can play a critical role in maintaining their right to a fair trial. Other options presented do not accurately capture the specific rights provided under the Fifth Amendment. For instance, expressing a desire to avoid trial altogether, refusing to enter a plea, or wanting a different judge falls outside the scope of self-incrimination protections and do not represent the essence of invoking these rights.