What is double jeopardy?

Double jeopardy refers to the constitutional protection against being tried twice for the same crime by the same government after a verdict has been reached. This principle is embedded in the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and ensures that, once a person has been acquitted or convicted, they cannot be subjected to another trial for that same offense. This safeguard is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the judicial system and for protecting individuals from the financial, emotional, and social burdens associated with repeated prosecutions.

Understanding why this protection exists helps to underscore its importance. It encourages finality in legal proceedings, allowing individuals to move on after a verdict is reached, and it serves as a check on governmental power, preventing oppressive or vindictive prosecutions.

The other options describe different legal concepts that do not equate to double jeopardy. For instance, the idea of a trial for a crime by a different government relates to jurisdictional issues rather than jeopardy itself. Similarly, multiple punishments for crimes and the notion of retrying a case for fairness fall outside the definition of double jeopardy as they concern separate legal considerations or circumstances. Therefore, the principle of being tried multiple times for the same crime—what double jeopardy specifically addresses—is fundamental to understanding the protections afforded