What does “double jeopardy” mean?

Double jeopardy is a legal principle that prohibits an individual from being tried for the same crime twice. This concept is a fundamental protection in the American legal system, rooted in the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which ensures that an individual cannot face the risk of conviction or punishment more than once for the same offense after either an acquittal or a conviction.

This principle is essential as it upholds the notion of finality in legal proceedings, meaning once a verdict has been reached, whether guilty or not guilty, that outcome cannot be revisited in subsequent trials. This protection exists to prevent the government from subjecting an individual to the potential harassment of repeated trials for the same alleged offense and to maintain the integrity of judicial determinations. Understanding this principle is crucial for law enforcement professionals, as it guides their actions regarding the prosecution of crimes and ensures that individuals' rights are respected within the judicial process.