double jeopardy

noun

1

: the prosecution of a person for a second time for the same offense : two adjudications for one offense

2

: considerable danger or trouble from two sources

Examples of double jeopardy in a Sentence

constitutional protections against double jeopardy

Recent Examples on the Web

Within minutes of his plea, Mangione’s lawyers petitioned the judge in the state case, Gregory Carro, to throw out those charges on double jeopardy grounds. — ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026

Since then, the prospect of double jeopardy has remained an open question that’s come up several times during open court proceedings and in filings. — Kara Scannell, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026

The 28-year-old from a wealthy Maryland family faces potential life sentences as courts weigh double jeopardy claims. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026

Under New York's double jeopardy law, a person cannot be separately prosecuted for offenses based upon the same criminal act, a state appeals court has held. — Dan Mangan, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Legal Definition

double jeopardy

noun

: the prosecution of a person for an offense for which he or she has already been prosecuted see also jeopardy compare merger sense 3

Note: The Fifth Amendment to the Constitution states that no person shall “be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb.” The double jeopardy clause bars second prosecutions after either acquittal or conviction, and prohibits multiple punishments for the same offense.