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 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 In February, Smollett appealed his conviction to the Illinois Supreme Court, claiming he is protected by double jeopardy. Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 29 Sep. 2024 Read's attorneys had argued in court filings that retrying her on the charges would violate double jeopardy protections because, based on subsequent statements from four jurors, the jury had reached a unanimous decision to acquit Read on the charges. Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for double jeopardy 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'double jeopardy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of double jeopardy was in 1862

Dictionary Entries Near double jeopardy

Cite this Entry

“Double jeopardy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/double%20jeopardy. Accessed 5 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

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