What is double jeopardy?

Double jeopardy is a legal principle that guarantees an individual cannot be prosecuted twice for the same crime after either a conviction or an acquittal. This concept is rooted in the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution, which aims to protect individuals from the stress and stigma of multiple trials for the same offense. The principle serves as a safeguard against the state’s power, ensuring that once a verdict is reached—whether guilty or not guilty— the defendant is free from further legal jeopardy concerning that particular charge.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of double jeopardy. Some might suggest a misunderstanding of concepts like retrial opportunities, appeals, or defense strategies, which are significant in their own rights but do not pertain to the specific legal doctrine of double jeopardy. Understanding this principle is vital for grasping fundamental concepts of criminal law and the rights afforded to defendants in legal proceedings.