double jeopardy

noun

1

: the putting of a person on trial for an offense for which he or she has previously been put on trial under a valid charge : two adjudications for one offense

2

: considerable danger or trouble from two sources

Examples of double jeopardy in a Sentence

constitutional protections against double jeopardy

Recent Examples on the Web

Karen Read claims murder charge in police officer boyfriend's death is double jeopardy. —Fox News Staff, Fox News, 8 Nov. 2024

Meanwhile, Read's defense team is appealing to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court and will argue in November 2024 for the dismissal of the charges based on double jeopardy, according to Vanity Fair. —Jordana Comiter, People.com, 30 Oct. 2024

Read's attorneys argue that trying her again amounts to double jeopardy, after four jurors told them the jury agreed to acquit her of those two charges but disagreed on the manslaughter charge against her. —Steph Solis, Axios, 17 Oct. 2024

Identifying anonymous accusers would allow Combs to adequately prepare for his trial, prevent any surprises and protect him from double jeopardy should he be prosecuted again for the same offense, according to the filing from Combs’ team of lawyers. —Chloe Melas, NBC News, 16 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Legal Definition

double jeopardy

noun

: the prosecution of a person for an offense for which he or she has already been prosecuted see also jeopardy compare merger sense 3

Note: The Fifth Amendment to the Constitution states that no person shall “be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb.” The double jeopardy clause bars second prosecutions after either acquittal or conviction, and prohibits multiple punishments for the same offense.