What does the legal principle of "double jeopardy" safeguard against?

The legal principle of "double jeopardy" safeguards against being tried twice for the same crime. This constitutional protection is outlined in the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which ensures that an individual cannot be prosecuted again for the same offense after a verdict has been reached, whether it is acquittal or conviction.

The intent behind this principle is to protect individuals from the burden of facing multiple trials for the same act, which could lead to inconsistent verdicts and an undue hardship on the accused. It also serves to uphold the finality of criminal proceedings, reinforcing the legal idea that once a defendant has faced trial and a verdict has been rendered, that matter should not be revisited by the courts.

Other legal protections, such as those against unlawful searches and seizures, self-incrimination, and excessive bail, address different aspects of an individual's rights during legal proceedings and do not specifically relate to the issue of being tried more than once for the same offense.