Legal Definitions - Double Jeopardy Clause

The Double Jeopardy Clause is a provision in the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution. It states that no person can be put on trial for the same crime twice. The clause was added to protect individuals from being harassed by the government and to ensure that they are not punished multiple times for the same offense.

For example, if someone is acquitted of murder, they cannot be tried again for the same murder. However, the clause does not prevent the government from appealing a case if new evidence is found or if there was a legal error during the trial. In these cases, the appeal cannot result in the defendant being tried again for the same crime.

The Double Jeopardy Clause is an important protection for individuals accused of crimes. It ensures that they are not subjected to multiple trials and punishments for the same offense, which would be a violation of their rights.