What is double jeopardy?

Double jeopardy refers specifically to the legal principle that prevents an individual from being prosecuted more than once for the same offense. This concept is rooted in the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects individuals from being tried again for a crime after they have been acquitted or convicted. The intention behind this protection is to ensure fairness in the legal system and to prevent the state from using its power to subject individuals to repeated trials, which could lead to harassment and undue stress.

Understanding double jeopardy is crucial, particularly in the context of criminal law, as it establishes a boundary between the rights of the accused and the prosecutorial powers of the state. This principle not only upholds the integrity of the judicial system but also ensures that justice is served without undue repetition of proceedings that could result in unfair outcomes.