Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

double-jeopardy

noun

/ˈdʌb.əl ˈdʒɛp.ər.di/

Definition

The legal principle that prohibits an individual from being tried twice for the same crime in the same jurisdiction.

Examples

After the first trial ended in an acquittal, she could not be retried due to double jeopardy.
The concept of double jeopardy is seen as a protection for defendants in criminal cases.
He faced double jeopardy when he was found not guilty and then faced civil charges for the same act.

Meaning

Double jeopardy is a fundamental aspect of the legal system that ensures a person cannot be prosecuted more than once for the same offense, providing protection against the government’s abuse of power during prosecution.