Definition
The constitutional protection against being tried twice for the same crime after acquittal or conviction, preventing the government from getting infinite do-overs until it wins. It's why you can't be retried just because the prosecutor had a bad day.
Example Usage
Despite overwhelming evidence discovered after the trial, double jeopardy prevented prosecutors from retrying the defendant who had been acquitted.
Origin
From Latin 'bis de eadem re ne sit actio' (not twice for the same thing), protected by the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
Fun Fact
You can be tried in both state and federal court for the same conduct without violating double jeopardy, under the 'dual sovereignty' doctrine that makes the protection less absolute than it seems.
Related Terms
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See “double jeopardy” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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