Is Double Jeopardy a Law?

Overview. The Double Jeopardy Clause in the Fifth Amendment to the US Constitution prohibits anyone from being prosecuted twice for substantially the same crime. The relevant part of the Fifth Amendment states, "No person shall . . . be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb . . . . "

Is double jeopardy still a law?

The rule against double jeopardy is only lifted once in respect of each qualifying offence: even if there is a subsequent discovery of new evidence, the prosecution may not apply for an order quashing the acquittal and seeking a retrial section 75(3).

Is double jeopardy a good law?

Double jeopardy keeps the government from employing its superior resources to harass a citizen with multiple proceedings and trials for the same act. This is particularly true when a jury has found a defendant not guilty.