Failure to give information is exactly what it declares. It means the defendant failed to provide the information requested. It is applicable in many different legal situations. In the case of vehicle accidents, this usually refers to a "hit and run" situation. If a person is wounded or property destroyed, the law may refer to it as a "failure to stop and give information." In the British Commonwealth, failure to give information may also apply to someone who does not pass on information regarding acts of terrorism (under the Privacy Act). In West Virginia, and other states, it is a criminal offense to fail to provide information on treasonous acts. In some instances, failure to give information in the United States may be fought in court by referring to the First and Fifth Amendments of the Constitution.