What is meant by "double jeopardy" in legal contexts?

Double jeopardy refers specifically to the legal principle that prohibits an individual from being prosecuted more than once for the same offense after a verdict has been reached. This means that if someone is acquitted (found not guilty) or convicted (found guilty) of a crime, they cannot be tried again for that particular crime, even if new evidence emerges or if the circumstances surrounding the case change.

This protection is established in the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution and serves to uphold the integrity of the judicial process, ensuring that individuals are not subjected to the emotional and financial strain of repeated trials for the same conduct. It also reflects a societal interest in finality and preventing the government from using its resources to continuously prosecute someone for the same alleged wrongdoing.

Understanding this concept is essential in legal studies, as it forms the foundation for rights in the criminal justice system and limits the power of the state in prosecutorial actions.