What does double jeopardy refer to in legal terms?

Double jeopardy is a legal principle that protects individuals from being prosecuted multiple times for the same offense after either a conviction or an acquittal. This principle is rooted in the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution, which states that no person shall “be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb.” This constitutional safeguard ensures finality in legal proceedings and upholds the integrity of the judicial process.

By preventing multiple trials for the same crime, double jeopardy reduces the strain on legal resources, avoids placing defendants under perpetual legal risk, and ensures that once a case has been conclusively decided, it cannot be revisited. Therefore, the correct understanding of double jeopardy highlights that a person cannot face a second trial for the same crime once a verdict has been reached, ensuring a fair legal system that respects individual rights.