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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
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
Therefore, charging the werewolf for a crime the human committed is akin to double jeopardy.
—Jef Rouner, Chron, 14 Sep. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1862, in the meaning defined at sense 1
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Cite this Entry
“Double jeopardy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/double%20jeopardy. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.
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.
More from Merriam-Webster on double jeopardy
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about double jeopardy
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