Double Jeopardy Legal Meaning and Definition

Here is a simplified definition of the legal term Double Jeopardy.

Double Jeopardy (noun): This refers to the legal principle where a person cannot be tried twice for the same crime. Originating from the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, it guards against a second prosecution for the same offense after an acquittal or conviction. However, exceptions occur when a different crime is charged, even if some previous facts are used. For instance, a person acquitted of state murder charges could later face charges under the Federal Civil Rights Act for violating a victim's civil rights using the same set of facts.