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
Example Sentences
constitutional protections against double jeopardy
Recent Examples on the Web The Body of Liberties also forbids imprisonment without trial, as well as double jeopardy. 
Marilynne Robinson, Harper’s Magazine , 20 July 2022 Harrison can either be tried for misdemeanor or felony charges on the same case but not both since that would violate the Fifth Amendment’s double jeopardy protections. Miguel Torres, The Arizona Republic, 18 July 2022 Shamefully, Bryant and Milam were tried and acquitted of Till's murder -- only to later confess their story to Look Magazine for thousands of dollars while indemnified from further justice by double jeopardy. Peniel Joseph, CNN, 22 July 2022 Denezpi appealed the indictment and later, the district court's decision, alleging double jeopardy. Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 5 July 2022 The justices heard two cases in February on the matter, one involving double jeopardy for prosecutions by tribal law enforcement and another that addresses tribal gaming powers on a reservation in Texas. Matt Ford, The New Republic, 6 June 2022 Hunter also stated in the writ that trying his client again would be double jeopardy. Elizabeth Zavala, San Antonio Express-News, 21 June 2022 Feeling that justice had yet to be served, the prosecutor immediately ordered a retrial — a rare move that would not be permitted in a United States court under double jeopardy laws. Kyler Alvord, PEOPLE.com, 17 June 2022 Prosecutors admitted the appeals court could not change Petsche’s acquittal under rules barring double jeopardy. Cory Shaffer, cleveland, 27 May 2022 See More
Marilynne Robinson, Harper’s Magazine , 20 July 2022 Harrison can either be tried for misdemeanor or felony charges on the same case but not both since that would violate the Fifth Amendment’s double jeopardy protections. Miguel Torres, The Arizona Republic, 18 July 2022 Shamefully, Bryant and Milam were tried and acquitted of Till's murder -- only to later confess their story to Look Magazine for thousands of dollars while indemnified from further justice by double jeopardy. Peniel Joseph, CNN, 22 July 2022 Denezpi appealed the indictment and later, the district court's decision, alleging double jeopardy. Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 5 July 2022 The justices heard two cases in February on the matter, one involving double jeopardy for prosecutions by tribal law enforcement and another that addresses tribal gaming powers on a reservation in Texas. Matt Ford, The New Republic, 6 June 2022 Hunter also stated in the writ that trying his client again would be double jeopardy. Elizabeth Zavala, San Antonio Express-News, 21 June 2022 Feeling that justice had yet to be served, the prosecutor immediately ordered a retrial — a rare move that would not be permitted in a United States court under double jeopardy laws. Kyler Alvord, PEOPLE.com, 17 June 2022 Prosecutors admitted the appeals court could not change Petsche’s acquittal under rules barring double jeopardy. Cory Shaffer, cleveland, 27 May 2022 See More 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.