What is double jeopardy?

Double jeopardy refers specifically to the legal principle that a person cannot be prosecuted twice for the same offense. This concept is rooted in the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects individuals from being subject to multiple punishments or trials for the same crime after a final verdict has been reached. The rationale behind this protection is to uphold the integrity of the legal system and ensure that individuals are not subjected to the anxiety and stress of repeated prosecutions for the same act, as well as to guard against government abuse of power.

In legal terms, if a defendant is acquitted or convicted of a crime, that individual cannot be retried for that same offense. This protects the defendant's rights and promotes a fair judicial process, signifying the principle of finality in legal proceedings. Understanding double jeopardy is essential for legal professionals, as it influences how cases are handled and the rights afforded to defendants in the criminal justice system.