What does "double jeopardy" mean?

"Double jeopardy" refers to a legal principle that protects individuals from being prosecuted multiple times for the same offense. This constitutional protection, found in the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, ensures that once a person has been acquitted or convicted of a crime, they cannot be tried again for that same crime, under the same jurisdiction. This principle serves to uphold the finality of court decisions and prevent the government from subjecting individuals to the stress and hardship of repeated trials for the same issue.

In contrast, the other options address different legal concepts. The law against self-incrimination, also part of the Fifth Amendment, allows individuals the right to refuse to testify against themselves, safeguarding against coercive interrogation practices. Plea agreements involve negotiations between defendants and prosecutors regarding the charges, often resulting in a reduced sentence or different charge in exchange for a guilty plea. Methods of appealing a conviction provide a process for challenging a court decision in a higher court, ensuring that the rights of individuals are protected throughout the judicial system. Each of these concepts plays a distinct role in legal proceedings, underscoring the significance of the double jeopardy principle in safeguarding individuals from repeated legal jeopardy.