double jeopardy
Double jeopardy is a legal rule that stops a person from being tried twice for the same crime. After a court makes a final decision, the government cannot take the person to court again for that specific act.
Examples
3 of 5The man was happy because double jeopardy meant he could not be tried again for the same theft.
The man was happy because double jeopardy meant he could not be tried again for the same theft.
The defense attorney filed a motion citing the protection against double jeopardy.
The defense attorney filed a motion citing the protection against double jeopardy.
You can't sue me for that again; remember, double jeopardy is a thing.
You can't sue me for that again; remember, double jeopardy is a thing.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'Double' (two times) and 'Jeopardy' (danger/risk). You cannot be put in legal danger two times for one crime.
Quick Quiz
The judge dismissed the new case because the defendant was already protected by ______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: double jeopardy
Examples
The man was happy because double jeopardy meant he could not be tried again for the same theft.
everydayThe man was happy because double jeopardy meant he could not be tried again for the same theft.
The defense attorney filed a motion citing the protection against double jeopardy.
formalThe defense attorney filed a motion citing the protection against double jeopardy.
You can't sue me for that again; remember, double jeopardy is a thing.
informalYou can't sue me for that again; remember, double jeopardy is a thing.
The principle of double jeopardy is a cornerstone of the Fifth Amendment in the U.S. Constitution.
academicThe principle of double jeopardy is a cornerstone of the Fifth Amendment in the U.S. Constitution.
To avoid double jeopardy in corporate audits, the firm follows a strict single-review policy.
businessTo avoid double jeopardy in corporate audits, the firm follows a strict single-review policy.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
place in double jeopardy
place in double jeopardy
attach double jeopardy
attach double jeopardy
rule of double jeopardy
rule of double jeopardy
Often Confused With
Due process is a general right to fair legal treatment, while double jeopardy specifically stops a second trial for the same crime.
Usage Notes
This term is almost exclusively used in legal settings or discussions about constitutional rights. It is treated as an uncountable noun and often follows the preposition 'against'.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use this to describe being in danger twice in daily life, but it only applies to being put on trial by a government.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Double' (two times) and 'Jeopardy' (danger/risk). You cannot be put in legal danger two times for one crime.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old French 'jeu parti' (a divided game with even chances) and the legal concept of 'jeopardy' as the risk of conviction.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In the United States, double jeopardy is a famous right protected by the Fifth Amendment of the Bill of Rights.
Quick Quiz
The judge dismissed the new case because the defendant was already protected by ______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: double jeopardy
Related Vocabulary
More law words
prosecutor
A1A prosecutor is a lawyer who works for the government. Their job is to show a court that someone has committed a crime.
defendant
A1A defendant is a person or organization that is being accused of a crime or is being sued in a court of law. This person is required to answer the legal charges brought against them by another party.
plaintiff
A1A person or group who brings a legal case against another in a court of law. They are the ones starting the lawsuit because they believe they have been wronged.
jury
A1A group of ordinary people chosen to listen to the facts of a trial in a court of law. They listen to the evidence and decide if a person is guilty or not guilty.
lawsuit
A1A lawsuit is a legal case where one person or group brings a disagreement to a court of law for a judge to decide. It usually happens when someone wants money or a specific action from another person because of a problem or injury.
proof
A1Proof is a fact or a piece of information that shows something is true. In a legal context, it is what a person uses to convince a judge or jury that a crime happened.
misdemeanor
A1A misdemeanor is a minor crime that is less serious than a felony. It is usually punished by a fine or a short period of time in a local jail rather than a state prison.
sentence
A1A sentence is a punishment given by a judge to someone who has been found guilty of a crime. It explains how much time a person must spend in prison or how much money they must pay as a fine.
bail
A1Bail is a sum of money paid to a court so that a person who has been accused of a crime can stay out of jail until their trial starts. If the person shows up for their court date, the money is usually returned.
fraud
A1Fraud is the illegal act of tricking someone to get their money or property. It is a crime where a person lies or hides the truth to gain an unfair advantage.
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