DOUBLE JEOPARDY

prosecution or punishment twice for the same offense, which is prohibited by the US Constitution and by many state constitutions. EXAMPLE: Ray is charged with destroying government property. After a long trial, a jury finds Ray not guilty. Immediately after the trial, new evidence is discovered that unquestionably links Ray to the destruction. Under principles of double jeopardy, the prosecutor cannot retry Ray for the crime even with the new evidence.

see collateral [COLLATERAL ESTOPPEL] Source: Barron's Dictionary of Legal Terms, Steven H. Gifis, 5th Edition; © 2016