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

This vulnerability is exponentially magnified for those with limited financial means, who face a devastating double jeopardy: inadequate financial resources coupled with insufficient support systems for navigating the challenges of older age and caregiving. —Joseph Coughlin, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025

The first was a century ago, for fabricating evidence against Sacco and Vanzetti, framed at a trial in the same Dedham courthouse where Karen Read must now stand trial after her acquittal last summer – there are no Constitutional protections against double jeopardy in Norfolk County. —Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 19 Mar. 2025

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court denied Read’s double jeopardy appeal in February 2025, according to CBS News. —Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025

This comes after the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court issued a decision last week, finding that Read’s pending retrial on the charges did not violate her rights against double jeopardy. —Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 18 Feb. 2025

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.